Arroyo pitches streaking Reds past Rockies 3-0

DENVER, CO - JULY 27: Bronson Arroyo #61 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the first inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 27, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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Posted: 07/28/2012

DENVER (AP) -- Bronson Arroyo pitched effectively into the seventh inning, Ryan Ludwick scored twice and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Colorado Rockies 3-0 Friday night for their eighth straight victory.

Ludwick, Scott Rolen and Ryan Hanigan had two hits apiece for the Reds, who have won 12 of 14 since the All-Star break and tied Washington for the best record in the National League.

Aroldis Chapman worked the ninth for his 20th save in 24 chances.

Carlos Gonzalez and Jordan Pacheco each had two hits for the Rockies, who have lost seven of nine.

Arroyo (6-6) retired his first 11 batters before Gonzalez singled with two outs in the fourth. The right-hander left with two on in the seventh, but Alfredo Simon retired pinch-hitter Eric Young Jr. to end the threat.

Arroyo allowed six hits and struck out three in 6 2-3 innings. It was the first time this season he won back-to-back starts.

The Reds broke up a scoreless game when they got to Rockies starter Drew Pomeranz in the fourth. Brandon Phillips led off with a single and moved to second on a fly to right. Ludwick followed with a double down the left-field line to score Phillips.

Rolen singled off Pomeranz's right leg to put runners at the corners and Todd Frazier drove home Ludwick with a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0.

The Rockies threatened in the fifth when Pacheco doubled with one out to put runners at second and third, but Arroyo struck out Josh Rutledge and got Pomeranz on a grounder to end the inning.

The Reds added another run in the sixth. Ludwick walked with one out and Rolen singled to end Pomeranz's night. Adam Ottavino came on and threw two wild pitches that allowed Ludwick to score, making it 3-0.

Pomeranz (1-6) gave up three runs and seven hits in 5 1-3 innings. He struck out five and walked one.

NOTES: Rolen played in his 2,000th career game. ... On their off day Thursday, the Rockies visited victims of the Aurora theater shooting at a local hospital. ... The Rockies activated 1B Todd Helton from the 15-day DL and optioned RHP Edwar Cabrera to Triple-A Colorado Springs. ... The Reds will send RHP Johnny Cueto (12-5) to the mound against Christian Friedrich (5-7) on Saturday.