By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Saturday's game

PHOENIX - Scott Williamson killed time before Saturday's game by watching a slapstick movie with his Reds teammates.

Williamson lost a game Friday night, but not his sense of humor. His blown save/loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, 6-5 Friday, was as devastating a setback as the Reds have had this season.

But Reds manager Bob Boone had no concern about Williamson's psyche.

"He's got that closer mentality," Boone said. "(The blown save is) going to happen."

Said Williamson: "The good thing is you're going to get another chance."

But Williamson is one of the leading causes of worry among Reds fans; he allowed 1.43 baserunners per inning going into Saturday. Almost half of them reached by walks. With the addition of six wild pitches, most outings were adventures.

But nearly all of the adventures ended with the Reds getting the win.

"I'll take 17-of-19 all day long," Boone said.

That's Williamson's record in save opportunities after blowing the 5-4 lead Friday night. His 89.4 save conversion percentage is very good.

Entering Saturday, only two closers with more than 15 save chances hadn't blown at least two: Los Angeles' Eric Gagne (29-of-29) and Minnesota's Eddie Guardado (19-of-20). Atlanta's John Smoltz was 27-of-29 and Billy Wagner was 20-of-22, and they are considered the National League's best relievers.

That said, Williamson was so far off target Friday, he blew the save before Arizona made contact. Tony Womack walked, went to third on an errant pickoff attempt and scored on a wild pitch.

"I've struggled with my mechanics the last two outings," Williamson said. "I've got to get them straightened out."