Ryan Freel's two home runs plus a bunch of other offense was enough to overcome the pitching on Saturday as the Reds beat the Brewers 7-8.

Joe Mays got the start after 16 days with no action. But don't worry, the time off didn't make him rusty: he was just as good at giving up runs on Saturday as he ever was. He lasted three and two-thirds innings allowing five runs (earned) on five hits and three walks.

The suddenly solid Jason Standridge finished off the four and worked the fifth without allowing a hit. I guess they made the right choice in designating Esteban Yan after all.

David Weathers allowed two runs (earned) on one hit and two walks in the sixth inning for the blown save. Bill Bray worked an inning and a third allowing zero hits on one walk. Todd Coffey finished off the seventh without a hit for the win. Eddie Guardado allowed zero runs on one hit in the eighth for the save.

Whew! You go through a lot of relievers when your starter lasts less than four innings.

Freel led the offense with a 3-for-4 night that included two home runs and three RBI. Homer number six (really number seven) led off the game. Home number seven (really number eight) was another solo shot in the eighth inning that was the last run the Reds would score and the margin of victory.

Scott Hatteberg, who also went 3-for-4 with three RBI, hit a two-run home run in the first inning. Damn that guy is hot! So, of course, Jerry Narron pinch-hit for him in the eighth inning.

Edwin Encarnación got to start. Yay! He was 2-for-5 with a run scored; therefore, he would not start the next day.

The win brought the Reds' record to 52-46. They would go for the sweep of the series on Sunday, sending out Eric Milton to face Tomo Ohka.