"The ball was right at Scott Rolen. But about the time everyone started to write 5-3 in their scorebook, it was by him and into left field.

Chase Headley, who was at first base when Chris Denorfia hit the ball, came all the way around to score. What started as a routine-looking play turned into a walk-off double and a 4-3 Reds' loss to San Diego before a crowd of 35,0124 at Petco Park.

It's a play Rolen, a seven-time Gold Glove winner, usually makes. But the shadows had fallen on the infield.

"Under normal circumstances, he makes the play," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "But those weren't normal circumstances. I was surprised Denorfia could hit the ball. It was a bad time to hit period. Scott Rolen is one of the best. If he doesn't catch it, something is happening."

Rolen would not take the ready excuse.

"They had me in the right position," Rolen said. "I was in the right spot. I need to knock the ball down. I need to come up with something. I didn't make the play. I was just trying to field a groundball. Give him credit."

Left-hander Aroldis Chapman took the loss. He walked Headley with one out. An out later, Denorfia hit a hard groundball. After it got past Rolen, it went into the corner. Jonny Gomes retrieved it, threw to Orlando Cabrera, who made a strong throw home. But Headley was just safe with a slide.

The loss cost the Reds a chance to control their own destiny today. The St. Louis Cardinals lost to the Chicago Cubs 7-3 earlier Saturday. If the Reds had won, they would have been able to clinch with a with a win today. As it is, the Reds have to win today and have the Cardinals lose to the Cubs."