Reds Top Cardinals 7-2, Take NL Central Lead For First Time In Over Three Years

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Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Bronson Arroyo tossed his 10th career complete game and helped his own cause with a two-run single, as the Cincinnati Reds moved atop the National League Central with a 7-2 win over St. Louis in the rubber match of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park.

Arroyo (3-2) allowed two runs on seven hits and three walks, while Scott Rolen paced the Cincinnati offense with a two-run homer and an RBI single,

Orlando Cabrera and Jonny Gomes both had two hits and knocked in a run for the Reds, who have won seven of their last eight games. Cincinnati is a half-game ahead of the second-place Cardinals in the division standings. The Reds hadn't been in first place this late in a season since June 8, 2006.

Jason LaRue hit a solo home run in the seventh inning for St. Louis, which has dropped nine of its last 12.

Brad Penny (3-4) gave up seven runs on 13 hits and struck out seven in five innings. Penny has lost his last four starts.

St. Louis had the bases loaded with no outs in the fifth, but managed only one run when Tyler Greene grounded into a fielder's choice.

The Reds scored three runs in the bottom of the inning to widen their lead. After Penny intentionally walked Ryan Hanigan to load the bases, Arroyo delivered with a two-out base hit to right. Cabrera followed with a run- scoring single for a 7-1 game.

Arroyo is 3-0 in his last four starts...Cabrera has hit safely in nine straight games...Hanigan was the only member of Cincinnati's starting lineup not to register a hit...Brandon Phillips went 2-for-4 with a walk for the Reds.