Dixon happy to step up for Blue Wahoos

For Brandon Dixon, setting a career high with six RBIs was nice, but being able to pick up starting pitcher and Reds No. 4 prospect Amir Garrett was even sweeter.

The 24-year-old second baseman hit two homers, including a grand slam, doubled and drove in six runs Sunday as Double-A Pensacola beat Birmingham, 12-5, at Blue Wahoos Stadium. 

The Barons jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first against Garrett. In the bottom half of the inning, Dixon came up with the bases loaded and two outs and sent the first pitch he saw from Blair Walters over the left field wall to put the Blue Wahoos in front for good. 

"Amir's definitely one of those guys that you can count on to give you a solid start," Dixon said. "He's fun to play behind because if you give him a few runs, you're probably going to win. Today, we helped him out after that first inning, and from that point forward he was lights-out. I think that's how our team has played all year."

After reaching on an error in the third, Dixon jumped on another first pitch and took Brock Huntzinger deep to left-center field for a solo shot in the fifth. The 2013 third-round pick finished his big night with an RBI double in the eighth. His previous career best came when he drove in five runs for Class A Great Lakes on June 30, 2013. 

"After your first at-bat, whether you get a knock or hit a homer, it makes the game easier because you already have one under your belt and you're just looking to repeat that good at-bat," the California native said. "If there's a good pitch to hit early in the count, I'm going to put a swing on it." 

Acquired from the Dodgers last December as part of the three-team trade involving Todd Frazier, Dixon is wrapping a month in which he's slashing .306/.370/.611 with five homers and 18 RBIs in 21 games. He and the Wahoos also sit atop the Southern League's South Division with a 30-20 record, and the University of Arizona product said he and his teammates have made a habit of finding ways to step up for one another.

"It's been a full team effort. When the hitting's not there, the pitching's been there for us. And when the pitching's not there, the hitting's come through," he said. "It's just a matter of teammates picking each other up on a consistent basis."

Tony Renda went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI out of the leadoff spot for Pensacola. He's 11-for-22 against Birmingham this season.

Making his 10th start of the season, Garrett (4-3) allowed three runs on two hits and four walks while striking out seven over six innings. His ERA climbed to 1.79, which still ranks fourth in the league. 

Nick Basto doubled, singled and drove in three runs for the Barons.