Cincinnati Reds Drop Rubber Match Against Rockies, 6-4

L: Mike Leake (2-4)

Mike Leake continued to struggle mightily Wednesday afternoon, as the Colorado Rockies beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-4 to take the rubber match of this three-game series.

Leake’s troubles started early when he walked Troy Tulowitzki with two outs in the first, and Nolan Arenado made him pay with a three-run homer. Todd Frazier got one of those runs back with a solo home run in the bottom of the inning, his 14^th of the year. But in the second, Charlie Blackmon went yard with a two-run home run, and the Reds would have to play from behind the rest of the game. Leake only made it through five innings, giving up six runs on nine hits, with two walks and four strikeouts. His ERA has risen from 2.36 to 4.66 in just three starts.

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Meanwhile, Colorado starter Kyle Kendrick came into the game with a 6.58 ERA, yet looked like an All-Star for most of the game. He had only given up three hits on 61 pitches through seven innings. Impatient hitters are not a good thing for a team already down five runs in the game.

The Reds did try to rally in the eighth. Tucker Barnhart led off the inning with a solo home run to right. Billy Hamilton singled and Skip Schumaker walked. After a pitching change by the Rockies, Joey Votto walked and Frazier drove in a run by drawing a bases-loaded walk after a great at-bat. Jay Bruce then flared a ball into no man’s land in left field to drive in another run. But Marlon Byrd and Zack Cozart both flied out to end the inning and leave the bases loaded.

If you’re looking for a bright spot, the bullpen had an outstanding game. In his first appearance since being reinstated from the disabled list, Manny Parra retired five consecutive batters. Burke Badenhop pitched 1.1 innings and allowed only a hit and an intentional walk. Tony Cingrani struck out two as part of a 1-2-3 ninth.

Other Notes:

Barnhart threw out Blackmon at third base in the first and has thrown out his last four of eight baserunners. When will teams learn they shouldn’t run when Barnhart’s behind the plate?
Hamilton reached base via an infield single in the third and then stole second on the next pitch. It was the first stolen base since May 11 for the speedster. This is what happens when he doesn’t get on base on a regular basis.

Up Next: The Reds have an off day Thursday and will begin a weekend series against the Washington Nationals Friday at 7:10 ET at Great American Ball Park. Anthony DeSclafani (2-4, 3.46 ERA) will oppose Stephen Strasburg (3-5, 6.50 ERA).

Cincinnati Reds Drop Rubber Match Against Rockies, 6-4

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