By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHILADELPHIA - Kelly Stinnett has gone from last place to the thick of a playoff race.

The Phillies beat Cincinnati 7-3 Friday night and reclaimed the National League wild-card lead. They moved a half-game ahead of Florida, which lost 1-0 at Atlanta.

"It's a good feeling coming to the ballpark every day knowing you've got a chance to go to the playoffs," said Stinnett, who was traded from the Reds to Philadelphia on Aug. 31.

A backup with both teams, Stinnett has seen limited playing time since the trade.

He was hitting .400 in five games through Thursday.

"It's sort of like how it was over (in Cincinnati) earlier this season," Stinnett said. "We've got a bunch of older guys. Everybody goes about their business, comes out. It's just fun to watch the way everybody prepares for the game."

FILLING IN: In search of a starter for Tuesday's game against the Cubs and their Sept. 28 game against the Expos, the Reds will turn to either Scott Randall, Danny Serafini or Matt Belisle.

Pitcher John Bale, who strained his right hamstring Thursday, was examined Friday and is finished for the season.

Pitcher Seth Etherton, who experienced stiffness and soreness in his right forearm Wednesday, will be examined Monday.

BACK AT THE VET: Outfielder Eric Valent played in just 29 games with the Phillies during the 2001 and 2002 seasons but spent this spring with the team.

The Reds acquired him in the Stinnett deal.

"You knew (the Phillies) were going to be good," Valent said. "You weren't sure, maybe, if the pitching staff had the caliber. But they've stepped it up and done outstanding."

ODDS AND ENDS: With a net worth of $1.3 billion, Forbes magazine listed Reds chief executive officer Carl Lindner at 179th on its list of the 400 richest Americans, released this week . . . Manager Dave Miley said he would like first baseman Sean Casey to start the remaining two games of this series . . . Even with the remnants of Hurricane Isabel causing problems, the Reds made it to Philadelphia without a problem Thursday.