Diamondbacks Win Fifth in a Row

Steve Finley went four for four with a three-run homer as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Cincinnati Reds for the 14th straight time, 6-5, Sunday.

David Dellucci drew a pair of bases-loaded walks for the Diamondbacks, who won their fifth consecutive game. Arizona’s winning streak against Cincinnati dates to May 7, 2001.

Kent Mercker (0-1) entered in the bottom of the seventh with Cincinnati holding a 5-4 lead. But Finley and Carlos Baerga opened the inning with consecutive singles and Mercker walked Luis Gonzalez on four pitches to load the bases. Mercker then walked David Dellucci on five pitches to tie the score, 5-5.

Chris Reitsma relieved Mercker and got Robby Hammock to hit into a force play at the plate. But Mark Grace hit a high fly ball down the left-field line, and Gonzalez scored easily to give the Diamondbacks a 6-5 lead.

Eddie Oropesa (1-1) pitched one hitless inning for the victory.