Semien, Smolinski Lead A's Past Reds 6-1 To Snap 7-Game Skid
CINCINNATI (AP) — Marcus Semien and Jake Smolinski each hit a two-run homer in Oakland's four-run second inning, and the Athletics snapped their seven-game losing streak with a 6-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.
Danny Valencia added a solo homer and Billy Butler had three hits — one short of his combined total in eight previous June games — as Oakland also ended a nine-game road losing streak, the team's longest since an 11-game slide in 2005.
Kendall Graveman and four relievers combined to throttle the Reds' offense. Fernando Rodriguez (2-0) allowed one hit over two innings of relief for the win.
Ramon Cabrera doubled in Steve Selsky for Cincinnati's only run in the second inning. The Reds failed to complete a three-game sweep but still finished 5-4 on their homestand.
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