The Associated Press

The Dodgers are learning a fundamental truth: Teams that don't hit seldom win.

Kevin Brown struck out 11 Reds in seven innings Thursday night, but that wasn't enough for an offense that managed only four runs in the three-game series.

"That's just the way it's been going for us," Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said after the Reds' 3-2 victory in 11 innings.

Los Angeles stranded 13 runners Thursday - nine of them in scoring position. The Dodgers also had a runner thrown out at home and left the bases loaded in the seventh.

They have scored two or fewer runs in 10 of their 22 games, winning only one. They couldn't even make the most of Brown's most impressive start in a few years.

Brown gave up four hits in seven innings and reached double-digits in strikeouts for the first time since last May 11. He gave up Felipe Lopez's RBI single in the sixth and another run on a disputed call in the seventh.

The Reds loaded the bases with one out and Juan Castro hit a potential double-play grounder. First base umpire Larry Poncino hesitated before deciding that Castro beat the relay to first.

Replays indicated Castro was out.

"We're more than frustrated," catcher Paul Lo Duca said. "That was a terrible call. It wasn't even close. I'm a little disgusted."

The Dodgers were disappointed that they couldn't get a win for Brown, who pitched his best game since his back surgery last June.

"I hope it's the light at the end of the tunnel, and I can get back to the track, I was on in spring training," Brown said.

Notes: Brown is 7-2 in 11 career starts against the Reds. He has held them to one earned run or less in seven of those games. ... LHP Odalis Perez will start for the Dogers on Friday at Pittsburgh, his first appearance since April 11, when he sprained his right ankle.