The Associated Press | Posted: Wednesday, July 23, 2008 11:00 pm
CINCINNATI -- Greg Maddux has never gone so long without a win.
The 350-game winner had another teasing day on the mound Wednesday, watching his lead vanish one pitch after he left the game. Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run homer that put Cincinnati ahead, and Adam Dunn added a grand slam that let the Reds pull away to a 9-5 victory over the San Diego Padres.
Again, nothing to show for Maddux.
"I appreciate the fact that I'm still playing," the 42-year-old pitcher said. "I appreciate the fact that I still play good enough to win. I haven't won, but I feel like I've been playing (good). And I do appreciate that."
He hasn't won since May 10, going 14 starts without a victory. He was thwarted again on Wednesday with an assist by the Padres' defense and bullpen.
Maddux left the game with a 3-2 lead in the sixth after giving up an unearned run set up by a fielding error. Encarnacion hit the first pitch by Cla Meredith (0-3) for a two-run homer to put the Reds ahead, dooming Maddux to another empty outing. He's 0-5 with nine no-decisions and a 4.54 ERA since his last victory.
While Maddux took it with equanimity, those around him regretted that they weren't more helpful.
"I don't know how many synonyms there are for frustrating," manager Bud Black said. "I'm sure there's a few. But he's pitched great. He plays the game. It's just unfortunate that we dropped the ball that leads to three runs."
• Rockies 5, Dodgers 3: At Denver, Matt Holliday drove in two runs, including one on a double that bounced off the pitcher's glove, and Jeff Baker scored twice to lead the Rockies.
Brad Hawpe, Ian Stewart and Garrett Atkins also drove in a run apiece for the defending NL champions, who closed out a seven-game homestand with a 6-1 mark.
Glendon Rusch (4-3) earned his third straight victory, his longest streak since winning four in a row in September 2005 while a member of the Chicago Cubs.
• Pirates 8, Astros 7: At Houston, Jason Bay hit a two-run homer to help the Pirates earn their first road sweep of the season and first three-game win streak since May 6-12.
Doug Mientkiewicz drove in two runs, starter Ian Snell had an RBI single and Franquelis Osoria (4-3) pitched two innings of scoreless relief as the Pirates finished off their first sweep since taking three from San Francisco at PNC Park from May 6-8.
• Brewers 3, Cardinals 0: At St. Louis, CC Sabathia threw a three-hitter, his third straight complete game for his new team, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the St. Louis Cardinals.
CC Sabathia has certainly enjoyed his recent change of address. Since being traded from Cleveland to Milwaukee on July 8, Sabathia has had four starts and made the most of them. Compare that to his start of the year with the Indians, and it's been night and day for Sabathia.
Ryan Braun had fourhits, lacking a double for the cycle, and J.J. Hardy hit his 14th homer for the Brewers, who have won seven straight. Milwaukee won the first three games of this four-game series behind stingy pitching, limiting the Cardinals to six runs.
• Braves 9 Marlins 4: At Miami, By the time Chipper Jones pulled up lame, the Atlanta Braves already had plenty of runs for Tim Hudson.
Then Hudson departed with a tender elbow.
Jones strained his left hamstring, and Hudson left after six shutout innings with tightness in his right elbow, tempering the glow of the Braves' victory over the Florida Marlins.