Last Game
The Reds got off to a 0-6 lead in the third inning, but then let the Padres tie it back up in the top of the fourth. Luckily, the relief pitching was on and Brandon Phillips had one more solo shot to contribute in the seventh. Final score: Reds 7, Padres 6.

Next Game
If the Reds can win tonight, they can ensure no less than a split of the four-game series against the Padres. Bronson Arroyo (RHP, 6-6, 3.76 ERA) was pretty darn great the last time he faced the Padres (he pitched a 3-hit shutout complete game), and also in his last outing against the Rockies (he put in 6.2 innings of shutout work). Tonight he defends against Kip Wells (RHP, 2-3, 3.82 ERA). First pitch at 7:10 p.m.

Injury Bug
Catcher Devin Mesoraco left the game last night in the seventh with dizziness. It was purportedly caused by getting overheated, and reports say he seemed OK after the game. Get that guy some Gatorade and move on.

More disconcerting: Brandon Phillips left the game last night in the eighth with a problem in his left calf. You may recall him leaving the Rockies game a couple days ago with trouble in the same place. At first it looked like a mild strain, but now it looks like it might be something more serious. We don’t have details yet, but I wouldn’t expect to see BP in the line-up for a few days.

If the Reds can go 12-3 without Joey Votto, hopefully losing Phillips won’t cause them to crumble. It’s about the pitching keeping up their end of the bargain and the offense continuing to share hero duties on a nightly basis.

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
The Washington Nationals lost last night, so now the Reds are in sole possession of the best record in Major League Baseball: 62-41