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Reds' Volquez eyes fifth win

May 2, 2008 - 1:46 PM Cincinnati (12-17) at Atlanta (12-15) 7:30 pm EDT

ATLANTA (Ticker) - After mixed results in three seasons in the American League, Edinson Volquez is making success in the National League look easy by comparison.

Volquez hopes to become the second NL pitcher to post five wins on when the Cincinnati Reds begin a three-game set with the Atlanta Braves on Friday.

In his first season with Cincinnati, after being acquired in a December trade with Texas for outfielder Josh Hamilton, Volquez (4-0, 1.23 ERA) has been nearly flawless compared to his 3-11 record and a 7.20 ERA a year ago.

After the Reds jumped out to an early eight-run lead after 2 1/2 innings in his last start against San Francisco on Sunday, the righthander cruised to his fourth win, striking out a career-high 10 over seven innings in a 10-1 victory

With a win on Friday, he will become the second Reds pitcher in three years to start 5-0, joining Bronson Arroyo (2006). Volquez also is bidding to join Arizona's Brandon Webb (6-0) as the only NL hurlers with at least five wins.

Standing in his way is Tim Hudson (3-2, 3.74), who has struggled over his last three starts, going 1-2 with a 6.39 ERA while only once pitching more than three innings.

One of those dismal performances came in his last turn on Saturday when he lasted just three innings, allowing four runs and seven hits in a 4-3 loss to the New York Mets.