The Reds swept the series and brought their winning streak to four today with a 4-6 come-from-behind win over the Rockies.
Elizardo Ramirez, freshly returned from an All-Star break in Class A Dayton, worked seven innings of three-run, seven-hit baseball. David Weathers took over in the seventh and allowed no runs on one hit and one walk. Todd Coffey put in one inning of no-run ball for the win. Eddie Guardado gave up his first run as a Red in the ninth. It was a solo shot and only one-third of the Reds lead, so he still got the save.
Assuming you're OK with the idea of Dewayne Wise in right field at all after Chris Denorfia won the game last night, you might be OK with the fact that he was leading off. Or you might, at least, concede that there aren't any clearly better choices, what with Ryan Freel still nursing a problem shoulder and Brandon Phillips slumping like mad. Of course, you could also make the point that Wise himself is slumping, seeing as he hasn't yet gotten a hit at the major league level. Phillips at least sacrificed in the team's first run in the fourth inning.
Thankfully for the Reds, the eighth inning existed. Adam Dunn led off with a solo shot, and despite the voice of Chris Welch ringing in everyone's ears reminding us that a home run can be a rally killer, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Edwin Encarnación singled. Scott Hatteberg sacrificed them over to get the tying and go-ahead runs into scoring position.
The Rox walked Javier Valentín, as well they should. They were the team that witnessed his seven RBI night on two home runs, one from each side of the plate.
Phillips lined out, but late-inning offensive substitution Rich Aurilia singled to put the Reds in the lead. But they weren't done yet! Royce Clayton doubled in two more runs to give the Reds their final score. You know, if this “everyday shortstop” thing doesn't work out, Clayton could have a valuable role to play as a pinch hitter.
The win brings the Reds' record to 49-44. They take today off before the Mets come to town on Tuesday. Eric Milton takes on Mike Pelfrey.