Prince Fielder hit his NL-leading 46th homer, setting a Brewers franchise record, and Milwaukee beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-3 on Saturday night to stay close in the NL Central.
The Brewers closed within one game of the Cubs, who split a doubleheader in St. Louis.
Fielder’s solo homer in the third off Kirk Saarloos (1-5) gave the Brewers a 3-1 lead and surpassed the previous team home-run mark he shared with Gorman Thomas (1979) and Richie Sexson (2001, 2003).
Fielder extended his career-best hitting streak to 13 games and is batting .422 with seven homers and 12 RBIs in September. Jeff Suppan (10-11) pitched in and out of trouble, allowing three runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Extra Innings
Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 756th home run ball was auctioned Saturday for $752,467, more than estimates by memorabilia experts. No. 755, the ball that tied the record, went for $186,750, including the bid and fee, according to Sotheby’s/SCP Auctions. The buyers weren’t identified. … The Yankees’ Roger Clemens will start Sunday night in the series finale against the Red Sox, his first start since Sept. 3. … Orioles closer Danys Baez has a partial tear in his right elbow and is likely done for the season. … The Mets’ Orlando Hernandez (sore right foot) may miss his next start.
