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Arroyo hopes for some run support against the Cardinals

Apr 25, 2007 - 2:19 PM Cincinnati (10-10) at St Louis (8-11) 8:10 pm EDT

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) -- Bronson Arroyo has given up just two earned runs in each of his last three starts, but has only a loss and a pair of no-decisions to show for his effort.

Arroyo (0-2, 3.25 ERA) takes the mound for the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday as they visit the St. Louis Cardinals in the second game of a three-game series.

The Reds' ace has yet to secure a win for his club this season. Arroyo was a victim of poor run support, poor defense and shaky relief in each of his last three starts.

Arroyo left the game with a 6-2 lead last Thursday only to watch four relievers combine to allow six more - two of which were unearned. On April 14, Arroyo allowed six runs - four unearned - as the Reds were shut out by the Chicago Cubs.

The veteran righthander is hoping Cincinnati can follow up on a 10-run, 17-hit barrage against the Cardinals on Tuesday in a 10-3 win.

Braden Looper (3-1, 2.08) will start for the Cardinals. The converted reliever has been making his switch to the rotation look easy, throwing four straight quality starts and picking up wins in each of his last three.

Looper allowed one run and five hits in seven innings last Friday, picking up the win against the Cubs.

St. Louis has not given the home fans much to cheer about, managing just a 1-7 mark at Busch Stadium.