Reds 11, Astros 2

That hitting the Reds have been promising is finally here. They’ve cranked out 28 runs on 41 hits in the last three games.

Ken Griffey Jr.’s presence in the lineup makes a difference. Jerry Narron said Griffey looked better in early BP than he’s looked all year. It showed: 3-for-3, HR, 2 RBI.

Bronson Arroyo finally got a win. He's 1-2 with 2.59 ERA.

But the thing that struck me most about Tuesday’s game was Brad Salmon’s outing. He hit 96 on the gun and was consistently at 95. The Reds haven’t had a guy with that kind of stuff in a while. If – a big if, mind you – he throws strikes, he can change game by coming in with that heat. He'll certainly be more useful than Rheal Cormier.

Reds are back to .500.

Did you see what Philip Hughes did in his start with Yankees? 6 1/3 hitless before he left after pulling a hamstring. He's the prospect rated just above or just below Homer Bailey depending on whose rating it is.