CINCINNATI (AP) — Scooter Gennett and Lou Gehrig share a claim to fame.
They are the only players with a four-homer game and four grand slams in any season.
But don't start making comparisons, Gennett said.
"That sounds crazy," Gennett said of his connection with one of the game's all-time greats.
Know what else sounds crazy?
The Reds let Gennett's club-record fourth grand slam of the season go to waste in a 5-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox Friday night.
The Reds didn't score again Gennett's first-inning blast, and Sal Romano couldn't hold the 4-1 lead.
Rafael Devers hit a three-run homer off Romano (5-7) and the Red Sox extended their AL East lead to four games.
Boston added to its lead with the help of the Yankees' 8-1 loss at Toronto. The Red Sox have won 12 of 15, keeping the Yankees at bay while moving a season-high 25 games over .500 (89-64).
Gennett tagged AL Cy Young Award Rick Porcello, who has lost 17 games — most in the majors — after winning 22 last year.
Gennett, claimed off waivers from Milwaukee late in spring training, has provided some of the Reds' best moments in an 88-loss season, including a four-homer game on June 6. His homer off Porcello ended the Red Sox' streak of 26 straight scoreless innings.
Part of Porcello's problem has been a lack of run support. Boston has been blanked while he's on the mound in 10 of his losses. This time, the Red Sox got him off the hook.
Left-hander David Price (6-3) pitched 2 2/3 innings and contributed a single, bringing the Red Sox to the front of the dugout for a celebration. Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth for his 34th save in 38 chances. He hasn't allowed a run in his last 10 appearances.
HOMECOMING
Boston left fielder Andrew Benintendi had several hundred relatives and friends cheering him from the upper deck in left. Benintendi attended Madeira High School in suburban Cincinnati and regularly attended games at Great American Ball Park.
He went 0-for-3 with a walk.
Benintendi's favorite Reds player was Ken Griffey Jr.
"I just remember watching the guys play and picturing myself out there," Benintendi said . "It's crazy that I'm here now."
FATHER-SON
Red Sox manager John Farrell had lunch with his son Luke, a Reds reliever. Luke wears the same No. 52 as his father. The last time a manager faced his son as an opposing player was 2004, when the Giants' Felipe Alou went against his son Moises of the Cubs. Farrell didn't get into the game Friday.
"It's definitely unique," John Farrell said. "Hopefully it's just a side story to a successful series for us."
INTERLEAGUE
The Red Sox are 10-1 against the Reds all-time in their interleague series. The Reds beat the Red Sox in seven games for the 1975 World Series championship. Overall, Boston is 14-4 in interleague play this season. The Reds are 5-13.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Red Sox: INF Eduardo Nunez is increasing his daily workouts as he recovers from a sprained knee, but isn't close to a full return. "We have to see some marked improvement," manager John Farrell said. "First thing would be a potential pinch-hit situation. We're not going to risk anything until we get him on the base paths and get a better feel for what he's capable of doing."
Reds: CF Billy Hamilton was back in the lineup for the first time since he broke his left thumb on Sept. 6 while bunting. He had two singles and was caught stealing when he over-slid second base.
UP NEXT
Red Sox: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (5-6) is 1-1 with a 2.55 ERA in his last three starts. He's 2-2 in eight career interleague starts.
Reds: Rookie Robert Stephenson (5-5) is 5-1 with a 2.84 ERA in his last six starts.
