Rolen and Baker Ejected From Game, Reds From First? 6-2

During the frustration of falling behind the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-0 in the sixth inning,   Home plate umpire, Hunter Wendelstedt called Scott Rolen out on a 3-2 pitch that appeared low.

Rolen protested and Wendelstedt ejected the veteran thirdbaseman.   Dusty Baker sprinted to the scene to continue the discussion and was run as well, the second and third ejections of the season.

"Scott never says anything, but he saw it the same way I saw it," Baker said.

"I thought it was low.  He didn't agree.  That happens all the time.  I take responsibility for my at bat and my actions," Rolen said.  "It was a game changing at bat.  I reacted to that."

The Reds were attemping one of their patented comeback rallies.

Rookie Mike Leake, throttled the Dodgers for four innings but  a two-run double by James Loney in the fifth and a two-out, three-run home run by National League leading hitter, Andre Ethier put the Reds in a hole.

"I don't like to lose but my first loss is out of the way," Leake said.  "Walking De Witt to start the sixth was a big mistake.  A four pitch walk, it was kind of a weird at bat.  Every outing is a learning experience whether its good or bad."

But Brandon Phillips walked and advanced to third on Joey Votto's single to start the bottom of the sixth against Clayton Kershaw but Rolen was called out.  Jonny Gomes settled for a sacrifice fly to get the Reds on the board.

The Reds mounted another threat in the seventh, loading the bases with one out but Drew Stubbs lined out to Rafael Furcal then beat Gomes to secondbase for a double play.

Manny Ramirez hit his seventh home run off Jordan Smith in the ninth and Hong-Chih Kuo gave up Chris Heisey's third pinch hit home run and fourth overall but completed the, 6-2 Dodger win.

Mike Leake suffered the first loss of his career.

The St. Louis Cardinals were down a run in the sixth inning to the Seattle Mariners.  If the lead holds the Reds will retain a share of first place.  If not the Reds will trail by a game in the National League Central.

"Kershaw was pitching lights out," Baker said.  "Some of the things that happened, happen when you're not going good.  Sometimes there's no explanation.  Nothing lasts forever, not the good times or the bad times.  We're in good position because we gave ourselves a little cushion by being over .500 for when a spell like this comes up."