2B Brandon Phillips’ error costs Cincinnati Reds in 4-3 loss to Milwaukee Brewers

Phillips’ error cost Reds in 4-3 loss to Brewers

CINCINNATI — Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips committed a costly error in the 11th inning Friday night, allowing Corey Hart to score and sending the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-3 victory that ensured Cincinnati will begin the postseason on the road.

With one out and runners on the corners, Casey McGehee hit a grounder up the middle that bounced off Phillips’ chest and into short center field. Hart scampered home to give Milwaukee a 4-3 lead.

Phillips, who won the Gold Glove award in 2008, appeared to be shielded by the second base umpire for a brief stretch before the ball got to him.

The NL Central champion Reds needed a win to maintain any hope of finishing the regular season with the second-best record among the league’s three division champions.