Laid-back Leake

Published 5:08 am Friday, April 23, 2010

CINCINNATI — Mike Leake was pretty laid-back for a guy who had just earned his first professional win.

The Cincinnati rookie lasted seven innings and benefited from a go-ahead, two-run double by Scott Rolen late in the Reds’ 8-5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night.

Drafted eighth overall out of Arizona State last year, Leake was making his third pro start — all in the major leagues this season. He became the first Cincinnati starter to win in 2010, but his postgame demeanor suggested somebody waiting for a bus.

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“Not a lot gets to me,” said the 22-year-old pitcher, barely old enough to drink the beer his teammates showered him with in celebration. “I’m excited. I just don’t show it too much. It feels good, not necessarily for my first one, but for the starters and the team.”

Reds manager Dusty Baker was happy to see a starter last that long after his first two in the series couldn’t get through the sixth.

“Leake gave us everything you can ask for, and we got some big runs late in the game,” Baker said.

Jay Bruce hit a two-run homer in the sixth for the Reds, who came from behind twice for their seventh victory of the year.

Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez left in the sixth after straining his right calf while running out a single. Los Angeles manager Joe Torre said the slugger would be out at least two days and possibly the entire weekend series at Washington.

Andre Ethier and pinch-hitter Garret Anderson each had a two-run homer for Los Angeles.

The Dodgers were leading 5-4 when Rolen smacked a two-run double.