MLB: Cincinnati 3, Florida 2

CINCINNATI, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Darnell McDonald homered during Cincinnati's three-run first Thursday and five pitchers made the lead stand up in a 3-2 decision over Florida.

Since the final day of August, Cincinnati has won seven in a row, lost five straight and now has won five out of six.

After McDonald opened the first inning with his home run against Anibal Sanchez (2-7), the Reds loaded the bases and Jay Bruce delivered a two-run single to shallow left.

Matt Maloney (1-4) gave up two runs over five innings to earn his first major league victory in his sixth start.

Ramon Ramirez, Arthur Rhodes, Nick Masset and Francisco Cordero then combined to throw four innings of one-hit relief. Cordero picked up his 38th save.