Twice this season the Reds built rookie Mike Leake a six-run lead only to have a melt down.
In Atlanta, Leake left the game after six innings leading 9-3. Mike Lincoln pitched two scoreless innings but the Braves scored seven times in the ninth to shock the Reds. Last Friday in Philadelphia, Leake pitched into the ninth. His bid for his first career complete game went up in smoke. He allowed a bloop single to Ryan Howard that scored the second run of the game for the Phillies. He then allowed a three-run home run to Greg Dobbs and the Reds bullpen completed the collapse. The Phillies eventually won in the 11th inning.
Leake pitched five innings of one-run baseball. He singled in a run himself. Then it rained for two hours and 40 minutes. Leake could not return. The Reds led 5-1 and added three runs in the bottom of the fifth as play resumed. They led by seven, 8-1
"We came out and padded the lead," Baker said. "It's a good thing we did. It seems like no lead is safe. The back end of our bullpen did a good job of saving it for Mike."
Micah Owings, who hadn't pitched in 16 days, showed rust. He walked two and hit one batter. Ryan Zimmerman hit a two-run home run. Dusty Baker brought on Bill Bray and he walked a batter. Then Michael Morse, who tied a game with a big hit on the Reds' visit to Washington emptied the bases with a triple and scored on a hit by Ian Desmond to put Washington within a run at 8-7
Nick Masset, Arthur Rhodes and Francisco Cordero pitched three innings of shut down baseball to nail down Leake's seventh victory. Cordero picked up his 26th save.
"It was close but we pulled it out. When you've got the ball in the hands of our seventh, eighth and ninth inning guys, you believe in them. I wasn't concerned. If it happens it happens. It was a nice win."
"Games like this really test your heart," Baker said. "Our guys are fighting and battling. Nothing is easy."
In spite of the meltdowns that cost him and the team wins, Leake is very calm at least on the outside. In his first season without throwing a pitch in the minor leagues, he is taking the game in stride.
"You learn something every outing," Leake said. "You gain confidence as you go."
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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