Despite scoring seven runs, the Reds dropped their fourth game in a row yesterday to the Rockies by a score of 9-7.

Aaron Harang pretty much bit in his five plus innings of work, giving up five runs (earned) on eight hits. He did strike out eight, which is very nice, but I think we'd all be happier if he'd get his strikeouts before allowing his runs. Just something to consider.

Still, if Harang's had been the only problems with the pitching staff, the Reds would have walked away from this game with a W. Instead we're stuck singing a way-too familiar tune about the deficiencies of the bullpen.

Todd Coffey finished out the sixth and allowed a run (earned) on a hit. Victor Santos gave up three runs (earned) on four hits compared to only one out in the seventh. Brad Salmon fared better, going hitless but with two walks for the rest of the seventh plus the eighth, and Jon Coutlangus didn't let his runner score either in the ninth.

As for the scoring, Adam Dunn, Ryan Freel, Edwin Encarnación, and Scott Hatteberg provided the RBIs. EdE's came on a two-run homer in the sixth.

Young Josh Hamilton was the look-on-the-bright-side feature again this game, going 4-for-5 and scoring four the of Reds' seven runs. He got the would-be rally going in the eighth, stole a base, and had what I've read to be a superlative diving catch in center field.

Nevertheless, the game resulted in the Red's record dropping to 13-17 and the series going to the Rockies. They sit in fifth place, barely above the Cardinals and seven games back on the division-leading Brewers. They'll try to avoid the sweep today at 3:15 p.m. when Bronson Arroyo takes on the familiar Josh Fogg. Here's hoping Arroyo's got a complete game in him today.