Boxscore

The Cincinnati Reds have a winning streak. Sure, it might end with their next game, but right now, they’ve won 4 games in a row for their longest such streak of 2012. The streak has also pushed them to their best record: 23-19, 4 games over .500.

Tonight Mat Latos turned in another fine outing to pick up his 3rd win. If he can pitch like this on a regular basis, the 2012 Reds are going to look very good. Over 7 innings, Latos allowed 5 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs. Oh, and he struck out 8. A very impressive night.

The offense was impressive, too. The Atlanta Braves sent out Brandon Beachy to start, he of the lowest ERA in the majors. Probably not any more, not after the Reds connected for 3 home runs and 4 runs off of him.

Brandon Phillips had a multi-home run game, hitting a 2-run shot in the 1st and a solo shot in the 4th. Zack Cozart contributed his own solo home run off Beachy in the 3rd.

That was all the offense the Reds got, and it was all they needed, thanks to Latos, Logan Ondrusek, and new closer Aroldis Chapman. I’ve written about how I think the Reds are mishandling Chapman, but even I can admit that Chapman’s likely to be very, very good in that game finishing role. He was against the Braves last night when he picked up his second save. His line? 1 inning, 2 strikeouts, no hits, and no runs. And lots of pitches at 100 miles per hour. He’s so much fun to watch. And clearly, that arrest had no affect on his ability.

The Reds play the third of four against the Braves today at 7:10pm EDT. Tommy Hanson will start against Bronson Arroyo.