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Reds off to strong start thanks to pitching

Apr 11, 2008 - 2:12 PM Cincinnati (6-4) at Pittsburgh (3-6) 7:05 pm EDT

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) - The Cincinnati Reds greatest strength this season, surprisingly, has been their pitching.

Edinson Volquez looks to continue that trend when the Reds open a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

The Reds have won two straight games and four of their last six on the strength of their pitching staff, which has allowed just eight runs over its last three contests and ranks sixth in the majors with a 3.19 ERA.

Volquez (1-0, 1.69 ERA) allowed just one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings to lead the Reds to an 8-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

The 24-year-old righthander struck out eight and walked just two in his first start with Cincinnati after he was acquired from the Texas Rangers during the offseason.

The Pirates continued their losing ways on Thursday, suffering their third straight setback during a 7-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

Paul Maholm (0-1) tries to stop Pittsburgh's losing streak when he takes the mound on Friday.

The 25-year-old lefthander surrendered five runs and five hits, including two home runs, en route to a 7-3 loss to the Florida Marlins on Saturday. Maholm had decent control despite the loss, striking out nine and walking one while throwing 92 pitches.