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Jose Barrero hits way to win

ST. LOUIS – Jose Barrero is viewed as the Cincinnati Reds' shortstop of the future, but excuse him for finding a way to contribute immediately. 

Barrero, a 23-year-old from Cuba, spent all season biding his time for an opportunity. After playing in 24 big-league games last year, he started the year in Double-A. He hit his way to Triple-A. He spent the last four days on the taxi squad. 

On Friday, he welcomed himself back to the big leagues with a go-ahead RBI double in the top of the ninth inning and he scored a key insurance run afterward to lift the Reds to a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. 

More:NL wild-card race: The weekend ahead for the Reds, Padres, Cardinals and Phillies

Sep 10, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jose Barrero (38) reacts after hitting an RBI triple against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports

The Reds have won five consecutive games at Busch Stadium and won their first season series against the Cardinals since 2011. They pulled within a half-game of the San Diego Padres for the second wild-card spot and will move into a tie if the Padres lose Friday. 

"Really, for me, I worked so hard," Barrero said, according to team interpreter Jorge Merlos. "I worked really hard to get back here. Not just the batting, but also fielding. Every aspect of the game. I tried to work as hard as I can to get back here."

More:Reds notes: Tyler Stephenson is a top pinch-hitter; Jose Barrero starts at short

Sep 10, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jose Barrero (38) is congratulated after scoring against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports

Barrero jumped from High-A to the Majors last year and it showed at the plate. The Reds sent him to Double-A to begin the season, so he could develop offensively. He responded by hitting .303 with 19 homers, 66 RBI and 62 runs in 85 minor-league games. 

His performance earned him a chance to play at the MLB Futures Game where he homered in his first at-bat.


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