The men behind the win, 8/21/11

That was huge (that's what Dusty said).

The Reds just broke an unfortunate streak of 6 consecutive road series losses (dating back to the 2-1 series victory over Tampa at the end of June). And they did so in stirring comeback fashion, after blowing a lead of their own.

This was the 9th game this month alone where the Reds tied the game and blew the lead the very next half-inning, or took a lead and blew it the very next half-inning. Obviously it didn't look good when Leake coughed up the 2-run shot to Garrett Jones, creating a 4-3 deficit in the bottom of the 6th before a brief rain delay.

Thankfully, the Reds' offense was actually up to this challenge against solid closer Joel Hanrahan, starting with a single by Frazier. Here are the players of the game:

1) Ramon Hernandez. After a Stubbs flyout and Hanigan walk to move Frazier to second, Ramon (pinch-hitting for light-hitting Paul Janish) struck the first blow of the 9th with a single to tie it at 4. Then in the bottom half, he came up just as clutch, gunning down Josh Harrison at second base for the first out. By the way: Clint Hurdle didn't like the call. That loomed even larger when Neil Walker followed with a double.

2) Jose Arredondo. 2 scoreless innings - a welcome oasis in an August desert of bullpen failures. In August he has now pitched 9.2 innings, given up only 2 runs and recorded 12 strikeouts.

3) Joey Votto. He provided the only offense prior to the 9th with a 3-run homer to right-center in the top of the 6th.

4) This one is tough, because all three of these guys had their ups and downs today, so they'll have to split the honor. Cordero got the save, BUT he almost blew it with the tying run reaching third. Phillips got the game-winning RBI, BUT it was on a fielder's choice AND he left 5 on base. Leake kept the Reds close, BUT it wasn't a quality start.

The Reds are back to 3 under .500 (62-65), 4.5 back of the Cardinals who are the only realistic target for passing this season. Now comes a day off and a trip to Miami for 3 games.