Cincinnati Reds Take Series from LA Dodgers: Mike Leake Gets First Win

The Cincinnati Reds produced yet another come-from-behind win last night with an 8-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

There was a total of 53 runs scored in the three-game set, and it left you feeling that you really didn't win. That was the second series won by the Reds, who have lost two series and split the four-game set with Florida.

Rookie Mike Leake became the first Reds starter to notch a victory this season as he pitched seven innings. He left the game with the Dodgers leading 5-4, and was in line to absorb his first loss.

The Reds rallied and put four on the board in the seventh, highlighted by a two-run double off the bat of Scott Rolen. It was the second inning of the series that the Reds sent at least nine men to the plate.

Arthur Rhodes struck out two in a perfect eighth inning, giving way to Coco Cordero. The much criticized (by me) closer worked his way into a jam in the ninth, with a walk followed by a single. 

He faced the potential tying run in Ronnie Belliard and Rafael Furcal, but managed to close the door, copping his sixth save before pointing to the man in the moon.

Jay Bruce hit his third home run of the season (all in the last four games) and actually brought his average up to the Mendoza line.

Leake was not looking half bad until he surrendered a two-run dinger to pinch-hitter Garrett Anderson in the seventh. He limited the Bums to one base on balls which was a very positive step in his growing process.

His line for the night was 7 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, and 2 HR. Andre Ethier touched him up in the first as he allowed his first MLB pitch to leave the yard.

Other bright spots on the night were Orlando Cabrera going 3-4 and knocking in his team-leading 12th run. Ryan Hanigan raised his average to .409 with a 3-4 night including an RBI.

Drew Stubbs had a good night with a 2-4 show and an RBI, but his average can still be found only in the twilight zone.

Cincinnati is now 7-9, 3.5 games off the pace set by the St. Louis Cardinals. The Dodgers are now 7-8, in fourth place, two games back of the San Diego Padres who come into town for a three game series with the Reds.