Even an opposing manager who won the first two games of a series against the Reds in Great American Ball Park can be envious of something belonging to the home team.
"The back end of their bullpen is really good," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "If you don't have guys to pitch the seventh, eighth and ninth innings, you are dead in the water." The Reds have it.
Left-hander Arthur Rhodes normally pitches the seventh when the Reds are in front. In seven games, he has not given up a run, retiring 20 of the 27 batters he has faced.
Right-hander David Weathers pitches the eighth. He has not given up a run in his seven games, retiring 19 of the 25 batters he has faced.
Right-hander Francisco Cordero has six saves in six opportunities, and dating back to last season has converted 20 consecutive save chances.
REDS 8, BRAVES 2: In his third start, RHP Micah Owings recorded his first win for the Reds, holding the Braves to one run and six hits over seven innings, preventing the Braves from a three-game sweep. RF Jay Bruce homered twice to drive in four runs, and 1B Joey Votto drove in three with a bases-loaded double.
