The Reds entered Saturday with a 10-6 record, but it could have been 13-3 with a more consistent bullpen.
They lost two significant leads, and another when they were one out from victory:
• April 15, vs. Phillies: The Reds took a 4-0 lead into the seventh inning before losing 6-4.
• April 16, vs. Cubs: The Reds led 4-1, 9-5 and 10-7 before losing 11-10.
• April 21, vs. Braves: The Reds led 2-0, 3-2 and 5-4 with two outs in the ninth before losing 9-5 in 10 innings.
Along those lines. The Reds:
• Outscored opponents 63-44 in the first six innings.
• Have been outscored by opponents 29-12 in innings 7-11.
Quick start
The Reds didn't earn their 10th victory last season until the 25th game (10-15).
Who's hot
Sean Casey. The big first baseman has not only been the team's best hitter, but their best clutch hitter - by a longshot. He entered Saturday hitting .625 (10-for-16) with runners in scoring position. No other Red has more than three such hits.
Who's not
Phil Norton. The Reds' lone left-hander began the season with three scoreless innings over his first four outings. Since then, he's had an ERA of 40.50 over four appearances that covered only 1 1/3 innings.
Is there help on the way from Louisville? Veteran Mike Mathews had a 1.42 ERA in his first five appearances while Javier Sanchez, the spring training surprise, had a 2.84 ERA in his first four outings. Both were 1-0, and Mathews had one save.
Trivia
