Smith's 2-run single rallies Rockies past Reds

[September 10, 2009]  DENVER (AP) -- Seth Smith hit a two-out, two-run single in the ninth inning to give the surging Colorado Rockies a 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night.

Colorado won its sixth consecutive game and extended its NL wild-card lead to four over San Francisco, which lost 4-2 to San Diego.

Clint Barmes started the winning rally with a one-out double off All-Star closer Francisco Cordero (2-5). Pinch-hitters Jason Giambi and Ryan Spilborghs then walked before Cordero struck out Carlos Gonzalez to bring Smith to the plate.

Smith fouled off four balls before lining a base hit off second baseman Brandon Phillips to drive in Barmes and pinch-runner Jason Marquis.

Smith's hit rescued the Rockies after they blew a 2-0 lead in the eighth inning. Darnell McDonald and pinch-hitter Kevin Barker had RBI doubles and Scott Rolen put Cincinnati in front with a leadoff homer in the ninth, his second with the Reds.

Jason Hammel pitched 7 1-3 innings for the Rockies, allowing two runs and three hits. He retired 20 of 21 batters after Paul Janish's one-out double in the first.

Matt Daley (1-1) pitched 1 1-3 innings for the Rockies, getting the win despite allowing Rolen's homer.

The Rockies took the lead in the third. Eric Young Jr. and Gonzalez led off with singles to put runners at the corners and Smith followed with a sacrifice fly to center.

Gonzalez stole second, moved to third on Todd Helton's fly to right and scored on Garrett Atkins' single to center.

Bronson Arroyo gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings for Cincinnati.

NOTES: Colorado played without SS Troy Tulowitzki and 3B Ian Stewart, both out with stiff lower backs. Manager Jim Tracy said they could return to the lineup Thursday. ... Colorado C Yorvit Torrealba's hitting streak ended at 16 games. ... The Rockies activated OF Dexter Fowler from the 15-day DL. ... The Reds activated C Ryan Hanigan from the 15-day DL.

[Associated Press]

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