Phillies Fall to Reds

Jay Bruce homered for the third straight game on Tuesday night, hitting a two-run shot that sent the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies with first baseman Joey Votto watching from the bench.

Votto was activated off the disabled list before the game, but didn't play. Cincinnati went 32-16 without him, taking control of the NL Central.

Bruce's 31st homer in the sixth inning ended a four-game winning streak by Kyle Kendrick (8-10). Bruce has homered in four of his last five games.

Mat Latos (12-4) gave up one run -- on a bases-loaded walk -- and four hits in seven innings.

Jimmy Rollins doubled off Latos in the fifth inning, making him the fourth Phillies player to reach 2,000 career hits.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)