Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - David Ross slugged a pair of solo home runs, as
the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs, 12-7, to avoid a three-game
sweep at Wrigley Field.
Ross finished 3-for-4 with a walk for the Reds, who matched a season-high with
seven home runs. Ken Griffey Jr. hit a three-run homer and added an RBI double
for Cincinnati, which has won five of its last seven games. Brandon Phillips
clubbed a two-run homer, while Edwin Encarnacion, Adam Dunn and Joey Votto
each belted a solo home run.
Bronson Arroyo (7-7) allowed five runs on seven hits over five innings to pick
up his third straight win.
Mike Fontenot was 2-for-3 with a two-run shot, a walk and three runs scored
for Chicago, which was looking to sweep the Reds in a three-game set at
Wrigley for the first time since May 22-24, 2001. Ryan Theriot knocked in two
runs for the Cubs, who had a three-game winning streak snapped.
Ted Lilly (9-6) lasted only 2 2/3 innings and gave up four runs on six hits to
take the loss. Michael Wuertz was victimized for four runs on four hits in 1
1/3 innings of relief, while Jon Lieber surrendered two runs in his two
innings of work. Newly acquired Chad Gaudin and Neal Cotts each allowed a run.
All five pitchers gave up at least one home run.
"It wasn't very good today," Chicago manager Lou Piniella said of his middle
relief. "They swung the bats, what can I say? Give them credit."
Already up 8-5, the Reds added another run in the fifth on Ross' lead-off shot
to right. With one away in the sixth, Dunn hit a mammoth home run that
traveled well beyond the seats in right and landed on Sheffield Avenue.
"That's one ball they won't throw back," said Dunn, commenting on his home
run.
Chicago shaved the deficit to 10-7 in the home half. Bill Bray started the
inning for Cincinnati and immediately gave up a single to Mark DeRosa before
walking Fontenot. Pinch-hitter Ronny Cedeno then reached first when
Encarnacion's throw sailed into right field, allowing DeRosa to score easily
and Fontenot to move up to third. Fontenot later scored when Ryan Theriot
grounded into a 5-4-3 double play.
The Reds tacked on another run in the seventh on Ross' second home run of the
game. Votto's smash in the ninth inning rounded out the offense.
The Cubs grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on Derrek Lee's RBI
double, and Encarnacion's one-out blast knotted the score in the next frame.
Chicago reclaimed the lead momentarily in the home second on Theriot's two-run
single, but the Reds countered with three runs in the top of the third.
Jerry Hairston Jr. worked a lead-off walk and later scored on an RBI double by
Griffey. Phillips then homered to put the Reds on top, 4-3.
Cincinnati blew the game open with four runs in the top of the fourth.
Hairston and Jeff Keppinger hit consecutive singles to open the inning before
Griffey clubbed the 605th home run of his stellar career. Phillips then
singled, swiped second, advanced to third on Dunn's deep fly to left and came
home on an Encarnacion sacrifice fly.
The Cubs got two runs back in the bottom half on a home run by Fontenot.
