Bruce's slam leads Reds over Cubs 10-2

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Jay Bruce hit his first career grand slam and Joey Votto added a two-run homer in an all-rookie power display that sent the Cincinnati Reds to a 10-2 victory over the division-leading Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs' losing streak reached a season-high six games against a team already eliminated from the race.

Ted Lilly gave up five runs, including Votto's 18th homer. The left-hander has started four times against the Reds this season and lost all four.

Bruce hit his 16th homer off Jon Lieber for a 9-0 lead in the fourth inning as Bronson Arroyo won his fourth straight start, allowing one run in 6 1-3 innings of a game that kicked off the Cubs' longest road trip of the season.

The start of last night's game was delayed 17 minutes by rain, which fell intermittently during the early innings.

Despite their losing streak, the Cubs have won 85 games -- most in the National League -- and have been in first place since May 11.

But September has been disastrous. Ace Carlos Zambrano got an injection in his sore pitching shoulder yesterday and will miss at least one start. Right-hander Rich Harden also will miss a start because of a bothersome arm.

Martinez sparks Indians' 9-3 win over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Victor Martinez reached base four times in his return to catching, helping the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 9-3 last night for their 10th straight road win.

The Indians had been bringing Martinez along slowly after the two-time All-Star had elbow surgery in June. He was activated from the disabled list on Sunday and had struggled at the plate, going 3-for-15 in five games.

Martinez got a lift in Wednesday's 9-3 win over the White Sox, hitting his first homer in nearly a year, and finally got the nod behind the plate against the Royals. He singled twice, walked twice and scored twice.

The Indians scored two runs in the second inning and poured it on in the fifth, getting six more on seven straight singles to help Cleveland match the fourth-longest road winning streak in franchise history. The Indians have won five straight and 13 of 18 overall, but are still 10 1/2 games behind Chicago in the AL Central.

Cleveland starter Anthony Reyes left after a three innings due to a sore elbow and was replaced by Edward Mujica , who gave up four hits in two innings.

Kansas City starter Brandon Duckworth struggled with control through his five innings.

Cleveland's Shin-Soo Choo extended his hitting streak to nine games and has reached safely in 25 straight.

Piniella naps, misses road to Cincinnati

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella used to manage in Cincinnati. You'd think he'd remember how to get there.

It seems that Piniella and Cubs first base coach Matt Sinatro decided to drive to Cincinnati from Chicago today for the Cubs' weekend series with the Reds.

With Sinatro behind the wheel, the two set out at 8 a.m. and headed across the northern part of Indiana and Ohio.

As Piniella napped, Sinatro missed the turnoff for Interstate 75 that would have taken them south to Cincinnati. They didn't realize their mistake until they were almost to the Pennsylvania border.

Eventually, they worked their way toward Columbus and then Cincinnati, making it to Great American Ball Park at 5 p.m.

Piniella says he's partly to blame, since he was asleep.

Cavaliers sign F/C Lorenzen Wright

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed center Lorenzen Wright, a big body who can help offset the loss up front of forward Joe Smith.

The Cavs have been looking for some front-court size since Smith was traded as part of the three-team deal with Memphis and Milwaukee that brought guard Mo Williams to Cleveland.

The 6-foot-11, 255-pound Wright played 12 games for Atlanta and five for Sacramento last season, averaging less than a point and 2.1 rebounds.

Wright has averaged 8.1 points 6.5 rebounds in 761 career games.