The Cincinnati Reds exploded for six runs in the third inning and cruised to a 9-5 victory over the host Milwaukee Brewers in the opener of a three-game series between the National League Central rivals.

The slumping Reds had lost eight of 11 to drop to third in the division, but wasted no time jumping on Brewers starter Chris Narveson, who didn't make it out of the third.

Jay Bruce started the big inning with a two-run homer, his third of the season. The Reds had eight hits in the third, including five straight to start the inning.

Narveson (1-1) entered with a 2.19 ERA, but he was dinged for seven runs on eight hits in 2 1/3 innings.

Reds starter Bronson Arroyo (3-2) allowed two runs - one earned - on six hits over 6 1/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two.

Brandon Phillips had three hits and three RBIs for the Reds, who are 4-0 against the Brewers this season. Cincinnati remains a half-game behind division leader St. Louis, which was idle Monday.

Milwaukee's Ryan Braun, the reigning National League player of the week, hit his NL-best eighth home run in the ninth, a two-run blast to left field off Jordan Smith. He shares the major league lead with Toronto's Jose Bautista.