Reds 8, Diamondbacks 1

When Kyle Lohse pitches like he pitched and the Reds hit three home runs, managing is a pretty easy gig.

“That was one of the nicest games to watch,” Reds manager Pete Mackanin said. “I felt like I was sitting in rocking chair. Kyle Lohse was in command the whole way. Not once did I feel like he was losing it.”

Mackanin is 3-1. He's done exactly what he need to do and get off to a good start.

Lohse’s line -- nine innings, one run, two walks and five strikeouts – belied how well he pitched.

He only gave up one hit through the first eight innings.

“Boy, oh, boy, it he could do that nine out of 10 times, or eight of 10, he'd be special,” Mackanin said.

And if bull frog had wings, it wouldn't bump it's butt on the ground, as old editor of mine used to say.

That's the rub on Lohse: He's wildly inconsistent. That’s why Friday’s win only made him 5-10.

Trading Lohse, who is free agent after the season, makes sense. And an outing like Friday's only ups his value.