Boxscore

The Astros (11-12) swept the Reds (9-14) in their short two-game series. The win gave Houston a five-game winning streak and moved them to one game below .500.

The Reds continue to find ways to suck. This time, it was rookie phenom Johnny Cueto (1-2). Well, it’s probably harsh to say that he sucked, but he did allow 5 runs in 7 innings, while striking out only 2.

Not that the Reds had much chance of preventing the Astros from scoring, regardless of the pitcher. Lance Berkman owns Great American Ballpark, and a home run and three RBI to his impressive totals there.

Jack Cassel (1-0) got the win, starting in place of an injured Wandy Rodriguez, and Jose Valverde (S 3) got a routine save.

Houston moves to St. Louis where they’ll send out Shawn Chacon to battle Braden Looper at 8:15pm EDT. Meanwhile the Reds take a short plane ride to San Francisco where Aaron Harang starts against Jonathan Sanchez at 10:15pm EDT.

Boxscore

In the aftermath of the firing of Wayne Krivsky, the Reds (9-13) played the Astros (10-12). And they lost, which will surely displease Bob Castellini. Who’s head will roll next?

When I saw Chris Sampson (1-2) with an 8+ ERA going against Bronson Arroyo (0-3) with a 5+ ERA, I knew the Reds were doomed. The Astros offense is on a roll right now, and Arroyo is not.

The Astros won their fourth straight and will try their luck against rookie Johnny Cueto today. Houston counters with Jack Cassel.

Boxscore

I’ll admit, I was happy when I saw that 5-spot appear in the sixth inning for the Rockies (9-12). The Cubs (15-6) are the hottest team in baseball right now, and having atrocious pitching for an inning isn’t something that will stop them.

The offense is kicking butt right now. It won’t last; it never does, but they’re unstoppable right now. Once Aramis Ramirez hit the two-run home run in the ninth, there was no doubt that the Cubs would win. Even when Kerry Wood (1-0) blew the save. He was obviously angling for the vulture win. And to show the world that Carlos Marmol (S 2) is way better at that closing thing than him anyway.

Can Jason Marquis keep the awesomeness going? He starts today for the Cubs, going against Aaron Cook at 3:05pm EDT.

Boxscore

Prince Fielder led the Brewers (13-8) to their second straight win by blasting two homers and driving in 4. I hear he drove from the game in a little red corvette.

The Phillies (11-11) kept it close, having the lead until the 8th, when Cole Hamels (2-3) lost it due to fatigue. (He threw 121 pitches.) Mitch Stetter (1-0) got the win and Derick Turnbow (S 1) got his first save of the year.

It’s Jamie Moyer versus Jeff Suppan this afternoon at 1:05pm EDT.

Boxscore

The Reds (9-12) rocked the Dodgers (8-12) last night.

Edinson Volquez (3-0) is putting together a nice Cy Young type season so far. Seven strikeouts and one run in seven innings to get the win. Hong-Chih Kuo (0-1) got the loss for the Dodgers.

Despite Volquez’s continued awesomeness, he wasn’t the biggest story from the game. I mean, we expect that from him. No, the real surprise was the Reds offense. It showed up! Apparently, Jerry Hairston, Jr. had been hoarding it down in Louisville. Adam Dunn and Brandon Phillips both homered, while Hairston drove in 3 of his own to let the Reds win easily.

Of course, if I know the Reds, and I do, then this eight-run barrage will probably be a one-time occurrence. We’ll see today when Chris Sampson and the Astros come to town to face Bronson Arroyo at 7:10pm EDT.