The Reds lost a game of their lead on third place yesterday with a 5-8 loss to the Astros.

When I woke up this morning, the sports guy on 104.1 WLBC (News, Sports, and Weather…Together!) said that the “bullpen collapsed” in the loss. Apparently he hasn't heard that Bronson Arroyo is a starter now.

Unlike other recent failed attempts for the tenth win, Arroyo earned this loss fair and square. He gave up eight runs on eight hits and a walk through six and two-thirds innings pitched. His personal record inches ever-closer to .500, now at 9-7.

Brian Shackelford made his triumphant return in to the seventh to face one batter without a hit. David Weathers struck out two in a hitless eighth.

The Reds scored five, which would normally be way more than enough against the Astros. Adam Dunn went 4-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Rich Aurilia went 3-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored. Edwin Encarnación actually got to play third base. What the heck more do you need?

A manager who pulls the starter before he can give up six runs in an inning might help.

The loss brings the Reds' record to 53-48. Tonight the rubber game. Elizardo Ramirez takes on the ever-so-sweet-faced Taylor Buchholz at 8:05 p.m.