By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

LOS ANGELES - The Reds won Sunday - beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-3 - so as usual that meant a save for Danny Graves.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Sunday's game

The save wasn't just any save. It was the 148th of Graves' career as a Red. That ties him with John Franco for No. 1 on the club's career list.

"It's definitely an honor," he said. "When I started my career with the Reds, I never imagined I would have a chance to go after something like this. It's honor to be there."

Graves has 17 saves in the Reds' 20 wins. He leads the majors - two saves ahead of Florida's Armando Benitez.

"These guys keep giving me the opportunities," he said. "When you're out there frequently you stay sharp."

Graves saved all three games in the sweep of L.A. He retired all seven batters he faced.

"Perfect," Reds manager Dave Miley said. "He feels good."

Graves earned three saves in the series and only threw 19 pitches. He retired the Dodgers 1-2-3 Friday on five pitches. He faced only one batter Saturday and threw three pitches. Sunday, he went 1-2-3 and used 11 pitches.

"I know it's the first time I've gone three-up, three-down twice in a row this year," Graves said.

Graves, a 30-year-old right-hander, is among the most maligned Reds. A big part of that is when he fails, the team usually loses.

But Graves has been very good at closing out games lately. He has converted seven save opportunities in a row and nine of 10. His overall percentage - 85 - is slightly higher than his career mark entering this season (82.3).

At the current rate, if the Reds win 100 games, Graves would get 85 saves.

"That would be a record," Graves said.

"I'll take what I can get. My teammates make me look like I'm good or something. I just go on and pitch one measly inning."

Danny Graves by the numbers

148: Career saves Graves has with Reds; he is tied for the club lead with John Franco.

17: Saves Graves has with Reds in 22 appearances this season.

2.91: Graves' ERA this season.

19: Total pitches by Graves in saving three straight vs. Dodgers.

7: Saves for Graves in his last seven opportunities.

3: Graves' blown saves this season.