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Slam extends streak for defensive-minded Barnhart
- Updated: August 17, 2016
CINCINNATI — In the areas where he places the most priority — catching and defense — it would have been more than enough for Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart to say he had a good night on Tuesday. Barnhart called a quality start for Anthony DeSclafani in a 6-3 victory over the Marlins, made a couple of putouts and threw out the speedy Dee Gordon trying to steal.
Barnhart also has repeatedly reminded opponents he can do plenty with his bat. It was his first-inning grand slam — the first of his career — off Jose Urena that gave the Reds a 5-1 cushion.
“I’m there to contribute on both sides of the ball,” Barnhart said. “Being able to do that, it’s really nice, especially when you’ve got a couple of guys banged up and out of the lineup and you’ll be able to produce and give them those days or that day they need. It’s nice.”
• Grand slams mean 40% off pizza
That slam extended Barnhart’s career-high hitting streak to 12 games. He is batting .357 (15-for-42) with two homers during the streak, and .308 over his last 37 games since June 22 to raise his batting average from .238 to .267.
Although he has been doing more …
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