The Reds actually gave Elizardo Ramirez some support for a change in this 8-4 win over the Astros on Thursday.

Ramirez worked six and two-third innings, allowing one run (earned) on six hits and a walk. He struck out eight, seven of them in a row. Brian Shackelford finished out the seventh without allowing a hit.

Gary Majewski started off the eighth, but couldn't get an out. He was charged with two runs (earned) on three hits. How this guy still had a 4.37 ERA after this game is beyond me. He must have been freakin' awesome in Washington.

Bill Bray gave up a run on three hits in his two-thirds of the eighth; Todd Coffey gave up zero runs on zero hits in his third. Eddie Guardado struck out three in the ninth.

Adam Dunn had a hell of a night, going 3-for-3 with two walks, three runs scored, and four RBI including a two-run home run in the second inning. Ken Griffey, Jr. also contributed two RBI with a two-run home run in the first inning. Rich Aurilia and Ramirez batted in the other two.

Ryan Freel didn't hit in any runs for a change, but did score two of them in his 3-for-5 performance.

The win brought the Reds' record to 54-48. The series with the Astros won, the Reds moved on to Milwaukee. They would send Eric Milton out to face Tomo Ohka on Friday.