Garza’s gem gives Brewers 1-0 win in Cincinnati

First inning run holds up for Milwaukee

CINCINNATI — Matt Garza threw a two-hitter for his fourth career shutout, and the Milwaukee Brewers ended their four-game losing streak by beating the Cincinnati Reds 1-0 on Saturday night.

Despite a slump that matched their longest of the season, the Brewers maintained the best record in the league and a comfortable lead in the NL Central.

Aramis Ramirez singled home a run in the first inning off Homer Bailey (8-5), who gave up seven hits through eight innings. Two Brewers were thrown out at the plate.

Garza (6-5) has been one of the Brewers’ best starters lately, going 4-1 in his last seven games.

He retired the first 12 batters in order before Brandon Phillips led off the fifth with a single for Cincinnati’s first hit.