The Cincinnati Enquirer

So how did the Reds enter Saturday's game over .500 (18-17)?

There certainly isn't any evidence in the statistics. Entering Saturday, here was their rank in the National League (out of 16 teams):

BATTING

• Batting average: 15th, .243

• Slugging percentage: 12th, .402

• Sacrifice hits: 16th, 11

• Intentional walks: 10th, 12

• Stolen bases: ninth, 16

PITCHING

• Team ERA: 13th, 4.85

• Walks plus hits per innings pitched: 12th, 1.438

FIELDING

• Errors: fourth-most, 25

• Fielding percentage: 14th, .980

Who's hot: Phil Norton

The only left-hander in the bullpen before Mike Mathews' call-up, Norton has rallied after a dreadful April.

Norton allowed runs in five consecutive appearances and saw his ERA balloon to 9.95.

But he has not allowed an earned run in his last seven appearances, covering six innings.

Who's not: Wily Mo Pena

He drew a key bases-loaded walk in Friday's victory over the Dodgers. But that's where the good news ends.

He's hitless in his last 19 at-bats and is worse - if possible - as a pinch hitter.

In 10 at-bats off the bench, he's 0-for-10 with seven strikeouts and hit into one double play.

Trivia

Who is the last Red to lead the National League in victories? (answer below)

By the numbers

.000: Batting average with runners in scoring position by catcher Jose Valentin (0-for-17).

.320: Batting average with runners in scoring position by Ken Griffey Jr. (8-for-25).

.440: Percentage of runners attempting to steal thrown out by Valentin, best in the major leagues.

1.00: ERA of the Reds' bullpen the past 10 games (four earned runs, 36 innings pitched.)

Remember him? B.J. Ryan

The Orioles reliever was the subject of a Reds trade that wasn't a salary dump.

On the contrary, Ryan was dealt to Baltimore in 1999 for Juan Guzman for the pennant chase. (The Reds lost to the Mets in a one-game playoff.)

Ryan, a left-hander, is 1-1 with one save and a 1.80 ERA in 16 games.

Trivia answer

Danny Jackson was the last Red to lead the NL in victories, winning 23 in 1988.

Before Jackson, Tom Seaver led the NL with 11 victories in the strike-shortened 1981 season.

The week ahead

The Reds come back from the West Coast for a 10-game homestand, beginning Tuesday with three games against the Rockies.

The Reds then host the first-place Astros for four games beginning Friday. The Reds lost three of four games at Houston, including a loss to Roger Clemens.