The Reds put together a bona fide winning streak today when they beat the Astros 3-4.

Bronson Arroyo was solid in his first failed attempt for win #11, giving up two solo shots on five hits and two walks through six innings. Rheal Cormier gave up the other solo shot in the seventh.

Ryan Franklin, of all people, got the win with his hitless performance in the eighth inning, and Scott Schoeneweis got the save with a similarly hitless performance in the ninth.

Rich Aurilia was featured in the pre-game programming talking about putting together the pieces of a winning team, how he was pleased so long as he was in the line-up, and how Edwin Encarnación and Scott Hatteberg are having such good seasons. He didn't mention his own good season, but it was apparent tonight as he went 4-for-4 with three RBI on the power of a three-run homer in the eighth to tie up the game. He knocked in Encarnación and Adam Dunn.

You know, this discussion reminds me of a time when Dunn was the first baseman for the Reds. Aren't you glad that's not the case anymore?

Royce Clayton brought in the winning run. On the Fox Sports game wrap, Jim Day mentioned how Clayton is trying to win over the fans in Cincinnati, and I can understand that is an uphill battle. He was acquired in an ill-begotten trade, he was proclaimed the everyday shortstop sight unseen, and the management totally tried to blow smoke up our asses about him as they justified those decisions. But not a one of those things is his fault, and it's not really appropriate to direct our outrage at Clayton himself.

It's not you, Royce, not really. You're just an unfortunate symbol of everything that's gone wrong with the management of this team this season. Keep on smacking in winning runs; we'll learn to see past it.

The win brings the Reds' record to 65-60 and their winning streak to three. They picked up a half game on the Cardinals, who were off today, to sit two games out of first place. They continue tomorrow with Kyle Lohse taking on Jason Hirsh at 7:10 p.m.