Texarkana Gazette

Reds rally to beat Rockies, 12-8, break 7-game slide

- By Joe Kay

CINCINNATI—The Reds pulled off their biggest comeback in a year to finally end their pesky losing streak.

Scott Schebler's homer completed Cincinnati's comeback from a five-run deficit on Saturday, and the Reds ended a seven-game losing streak— their longest in a year—with a 12-8 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Cincinnati's losing streak was its longest since it dropped 11 straight last May. Also, the Reds hadn't overcome a fiverun deficit to win a game since last May 28.

"It was kind of crazy," said Schebler, who struck out twice earlier in the game. "I had a terrible first three at-bats, but one of the beauties of this game is one at-bat can change your day. We changed the momentum."

Colorado rookie Antonio Senzatela was in line for an NL-leading seventh win before the Rockies' bullpen let the big lead slip away. Senzatela had a bases-loaded single during a six-run fifth inning that put the Rockies ahead 8-3.

"Today was a rare occurrence," Rockies manager Bud Black said of the bullpen's meltdown. "This hasn't happened."

Devin Mesoraco hit a solo homer to start the Reds' sixth against Chad Qualls, who faced only four batters. Schebler's three-run shot off Mike Dunn (2-1) finished a six-run rally.

Asher Wojciechow­ski, who was called up before the game to help the Reds' overworked bullpen, gave up one hit in 3 2/3 innings for his first major league win. He was in the Marlins' minor league system last year and wasn't sure where he'd end up.

"Couldn't have asked for anything better," Wojciechow­ski said. "To be home for almost a month without a job and to have this day happen, I'm on cloud nine."

Tim Adleman added to Cincinnati's stretch of inadequate starts, giving up six runs in 4 2/3 innings. No Reds starter has gone more than 5 1/3 innings in the last eight games. The rotation's ERA is 8.60 during that span.

Senzatela gave up four runs and a career-high four walks in only five innings, throwing 105 pitches. His six wins are second to the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw for most in the NL.

"It was a learning experience for me," Senzatela said. "I didn't have a really good fastball."

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