Bruce hit ends Reds' long winless streak

In harm's way: Reds shortstop Paul Janish tries to avoid the Phillies' Carlos Ruiz's attempt to break up a double play in the sixth inning on Tuesday in Philadelphia. The Reds won 6-3. AP

PHILADELPHIA — Jay Bruce erased a frustrating night with one big swing.

Bruce hit a tiebreaking, three-run double in the ninth inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 Tuesday night to snap a six-game losing streak.

The Reds had lost eight straight against NL East-leading Philadelphia, including a three-game sweep in last year's division playoff series.

Bruce came in swinging a hot bat. He had four homers in the last five games and was tied for the NL lead with 12. But he struck out three times and popped out in his first four at-bats before clearing the bases against Ryan Madson (2-1).

"I blew it the first time with guys on second and third and one out," Bruce said, referring to his strikeout in the fifth. "I just tried to relax and get something I could handle."

Logan Ondrusek (1-0) retired the only batter he faced to get the win. Francisco Cordero finished for his ninth save in 10 tries.

Drew Stubbs got the Reds started with a one-out bunt single in the ninth. He advanced to second on Madson's throwing error. After Brandon Phillips lined to shortstop, Joey Votto was intentionally walked. Scott Rolen followed with an infield single as third baseman Placido Polanco made a backhanded grab to save a run.

Bruce then ripped a liner to deep right-center to knock in three and give the Reds a 6-3 lead.

"Coming back is kind of our M.O.," Bruce said. "We're never out of a game. The experience has helped us."

Braves 2, Pirates 0

In Pittsburgh, Jair Jurrjens pitched six-hit ball into the eighth inning to lead Atlanta over the Pirates.

Rockies 12, D-Backs 4 (1st)

D-Backs 5, Rockies 2 (2nd)

In Denver, Carlos Gonzalez homered twice and Colorado became the first team to decipher Josh Collmenter's tomahawk-pitching style, rallying past Arizona.

Then the Rockies lost the nightcap when Joe Saunders (1-5) snapped his six-game losing streak and Kelly Johnson hit a solo homer.

Dodgers 5, Astros 4

In Houston, Jerry Sands hit a grand slam and Jay Gibbons also homered as Los Angeles snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory over the Astros.

Cubs 11, Mets 1

In Chicago, Ryan Dempster pitched seven effective innings, Starlin Castro had three hits and two RBIs and the Cubs pounded the stumbling Mets.

Brewers 7, Nationals 6

In Milwaukee, Jonathan Lucroy hit a two-out, two-run single in the eighth inning and Brandon Boggs collided with catcher Wilson Ramos to score the go-ahead run, rallying the Brewers past Washington.

Cardinals 3, Padres 2 (11)

In San Diego, Daniel Descalso singled in the go-ahead run with two outs in the 11th.

Marlins 5, Giants 1

In San Francisco, Ricky Nolasco pitched scoreless ball into the ninth inning and Florida quieted the streaking Giants.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Red Sox 4, Indians 2

In Cleveland, Josh Beckett picked up his first regular-season win at the Indians' home park, where Cleveland lost for just the fifth time this year.

Yankees 5, Blue Jays 4

In New York, Curtis Granderson had a tying RBI single in the ninth inning then stole second before Mark Teixeira singled him home.

Tigers 7, Rays 6

In Detroit, Alex Avila's second homer of the game gave the Tigers the lead in the eighth.

Twins 4, Mariners 2

In Minneapolis, Nick Blackburn came through with a desperately needed complete game and Denard Span had three hits and an RBI to lift the Twins.

Ichiro Suzuki went 0-for-4 for the Mariners.

Athletics 6, Angels 1

In Anaheim, David DeJesus hit two homers and drove in four runs, Guillermo Moscoso pitched six scoreless innings to win his first major league start.

Hideki Matsui finished 0-for-4 for the A's.

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