HOUSTON — Wade Miller gives the Houston Astros what they need — a starting pitcher who eats innings.

        Miller (14-7) pitched seven innings and allowed four runs on eight hits as the Astros defeated the Reds 6-4 Tuesday night. It was the 16th time this season Miller has pitched seven or more innings.

        “He's been a real workhorse,” manager Larry Dierker said of Miller, who struck out six and walked one as the Astros won for the ninth time in 11 games. “He's just a very strong pitcher. I think he could have pitched more tonight, but we wanted to go to Octavio Dotel.”

        Miller has pitched at least into the sixth inning in all but three of his 26 starts. One of those he was hurt on the opening play of the game, and he went five and 4 2-3 innings in the other two.

        “I love to go long in games,” Miller said. “It doesn't bother me to stay in. My arm felt fine and I actually felt stronger late in the game.

        “I'm a late-inning pitcher. I feel better as the game goes along.”

        “I thought he was outstanding,” said Reds second baseman Todd Walker. “His sinker is one of the best I've ever seen. He has a great changeup and a good curve. He's really tough. He's definitely one of the toughest right-handers in the league.”

        Despite his two solo homers, Dmitri Young agreed that Miller was tough.

        “His running fastball is awesome,” Young said. “He has a great changeup and a great slider. He's going to be one of the best pitchers in the league before long.”

        Astros Notes: Craig Biggio was hit by a pitch for the 25th time this year, extending his major league lead ... Moises Alou went 3-for-4 to up his average to .354, tops in the major leagues.

Astros 6, Reds 4 Sour ending to Reds' draft Dunn draws a crowd for homecoming Miller is Astros' workhorse Reds box, runs

Xavier lands coveted point guard
Warrick eager to return punts
Replacement refs will work Bengals game
Ex-Colt hopes Bengals can duplicate their success
Hawkins 'rusty' after tonsillitis
Moeller's Murphy trying to make Colts
SULLIVAN: Hey, Michael: Just do it
Kroger Classic gets glimpse of its future
Kroger Senior Classic events
Prep football page
Cincinnati boys soccer highlights
Cincinnati high school results
N.Ky. high school results
Bonds watch: No homers
RD Cradle Stakes part of National Pick 4

• Return to Reds front page...