SAN DIEGO — It has been easy to forget that the key to baseball success — starting pitching — has been part of the Reds' recent surge.

        The starters have been obscured by more stirring events in the seven-game winning streak. Wednesday's 20 hits, Thursday's six homers, the frequent contributions of newcomers Todd Walker and Adam Dunn and the happy calm following the absence of trade-deadline deals have commanded the Reds' spotlight.

        Collectively, Lance Davis, Elmer Dessens, Jim Brower and Jose Acevedo haven't been spectacular for the past week. Just effective. Going into Friday's game, Reds starters recorded a 3.38 ERA in the winning streak while receiving credit for four victories.

        Most significant, they've averaged 6 1/3 innings in these six games, exceeding the season average by a full inning. That has reduced the workload on the bullpen, which in turn has become stingier. Reds relievers allowed just two runs through 15 1/3 innings in four games before Friday.

        “That has been a huge lift to the bullpen,” Reds manager Bob Boone said Friday. “While the bullpen has protected the starters most of the year, the starters are beginning to protect the bullpen.”

        For the first time since early May, the Reds are exuding a contender's attitude, though it's obviously a little late.

        Referring to the “swagger” that he and his teammates have regained, third baseman Aaron Boone said. “I kind of forgot what that felt like.”

Reds 9, Padres 2 Reds fans contributing to Paul Brown Stadium Reitsma gets velocity back after rest Pitching has been good, too Boone putting it all together Reds box, runs

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