The Milwaukee Brewers got to work about two hours later than usual. Maybe that was a good thing.

        The Brewers stayed in Milwaukee until there was definitive word Friday there would be no players' strike. Even though they went straight to the ballpark after landing at Cincinnati's airport, they were behind schedule all night.

        Finally, with a five-run ninth, Milwaukee beat the Reds 9-4.

        “It was a very strange day,” said Milwaukee manager Jerry Royster.

        Royster gave the start to Nelson Figueroa, who had made 13 relief appearances since his last start on June 11 at Oakland. Cincinnati jumped to a 4-0 lead in the first.

        “Early, he was up, up, up — everything was up — and those guys are going to hammer it,” Royster said. “But he did a good job after he gave up those four runs. He really settled down.”

        Cincinnati never scored after that as Figueroa stuck around for six innings, allowed nine hits, walked two and struck out three.

        “You've got to tip your cap to Figueroa,” said Reds third baseman Aaron Boone, who went 4-for-4. “He's not normally a starter and he comes in and gives up four in the first, but he kept his poise and kept them in the game.

        “At the same time, we've got to find a way to put games like that away. Instead, they hung around and got some big hits.”

        In the ninth, the Brewers loaded the bases against Scott Sullivan (6-4) on a double, intentional walk and a bloop single. A double by Alex Sanchez scored two, making it 6-4. Danny Graves walked Richie Sexson to force in another run, and Jose Hernandez singled in two more to make it 9-4.

        Ray King (3-2) pitched one inning for the win. Jorge Fabregas, batting for King, singled to load the bases for Sanchez.

        Whether related to the threat of a strike, the effect of Friday night high school football — or the opponent — the announced attendance of 16,218 was the smallest at Cinergy Field since May 8, also against Milwaukee.

        Notes: The Brewers bought the contract of RHP Dave Pember from Double-A Huntsville of the Southern League. He filled the roster spot of Jamey Wright, who was traded to St. Louis on Thursday. Pember was 10-6 with a 3.17 ERA in 27 starts for Huntsville.

Reds should benefit from deal Baseball deal has something for everyone DAUGHERTY: Free money should mean free agents Highlights of the labor deal Reds relieved to keep playing Twins saved; Expos to D.C.? Bows, barbs for Selig Deal lifts burden from Boone Brewers 9, Reds 4 Reds Box, Runs Reds Notebook: Glove earns Stinnett more time Brewers end strange day with high five Cardinals 6, Cubs 3 Astros 8, Dodgers 4 Royals 5, Mariners 1 Angels 6, Orioles 2 Athletics 4, Twins 2 Giants 7, Diamondbacks 6 Padres 2, Rockies 0

Bengals face tough cuts
Bengals Notebook: Houshmandzadeh proves special teams' depth
NFL Preseason Roundup: Carr breaks down
NFL Roundup: Ex-Bengal Jackson may un-retire
High School Football Scores & Schedule
Ohio, Kentucky powers square off
Previews of today's top Cincinnati games
Previews of today's top Kentucky games
Football festivals gaining in popularity
Ohio Football Scores
Indiana Football Scores
Kentucky Football Scores
Goshen-Taft cancelled: No refs
Teams get along off the field
Girls tennis results
Miami opens at North Carolina
U.S. avoids upset in World Basketball
UK's Parker kicked off team

• Return to Reds front page...