It looked like Osvaldo Fernandez's second start for the Reds was going to be a disaster. Fernandez gave up three runs and six hits in the first two innings.

        “We didn't want one of those games where we pull him in the second or third and use everybody (in the bullpen),” McKeon said.

        With the trip to Wrigley Field coming up, a tired relief corps is the first step to a bad series.

        But Fernandez settled down. He ended up going six innings, allowing one hit and no runs after the first two innings.

        Fernandez's ERA is 5.11. He doesn't have a decision, but the Reds are 2-0 in his starts.

        “I thought he gave us a good effort,” McKeon said. “His stuff was better after the first two innings.”

        Fernandez, a 31-year-old who defected from Cuba, is pitching in the majors for the first time since 1997. He had two surgeries on his right (pitching) elbow in the interim.

        SPANISH CONNECTION: Benito Santiago started at catcher Thursday even though the Pirates started right-hander Jason Schmidt. Left-handed-hitting Eddie Taubensee usually starts versus right-handers.

        Santiago was in the lineup because Fernandez was the starting pitcher for the Reds. Fernandez doesn't speak English very well.

        “Benny does a good job with Fernandez,” McKeon said. “They speak the same language. (Taubensee) is going to play all three days in the Chicago series.”

        Santiago was 1-for-3 and drove in the run that tied the game 3-3.

        TIRED POKEY: Second baseman Pokey Reese did not start because he needed the rest.

        “He's worn out,” McKeon said.

        Reese did end up pinch- running for Casey in the 10th and trotted home from third with the winning run.

        Reese sitting out also gave Chris Stynes a rare chance to start.

        “Stynes has been going good,” McKeon said. “You want him to stay fresh. We survived without (Reese) when he was hurt. If you can't put (Stynes) in for a day or two, he shouldn't be up here.”

        JUNIOR WALKER: Griffey walked four times Thursday, the most by a Red this season. Griffey leads the Reds with 36 walks and was fourth in the National League going into Thursday, one behind three players tied for first.

        Coming into this season, he had walked one time for every 7.8 at-bats. This year, he has walked once for every 3.97 at-bats.

        LEAGUE LEADERS: Reese is the hardest player in the National League to double up. He has had 151 at-bats without hitting into a double play. ... Scott Willianson leads in wild pitches with seven. as a team . ...

Reds 4, Pirates 3 Box, runs Rest doesn't sit well with Bichette Fernandez gives bullpen a break Reds-Cubs Scouting Report McGwire climbs HR ladder

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