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Reds RHP Arroyo eyes sixth straight win

Jul 29, 2008 - 12:27 PM Cincinnati (50-57) at Houston (49-56) 8:05 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Cincinnati Reds starter Bronson Arroyo is riding the longest winning streak of his career but has had little success against the Houston Astros.

Arroyo tries to reverse that trend and continue his strong pitching when the Reds resume their series against the Astros on Tuesday.

Arroyo (9-7, 5.60 ERA) hit rock bottom on June 24, surrendering 10 runs in just one inning en route to a 14-1 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays. The 31-year-old righthander has been rock solid since, winning each of his last five starts while registering a 3.09 ERA over that span.

"(Arroyo's) confidence is high right now," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "We're playing well behind him. It's a real positive and real plus when he's on the mound."

However, Arroyo has been pounded for eight runs in each of his last two outings against the Astros, including his April 23 start when he surrendered 10 hits in just 3.2 innings during a 9-3 defeat. The loss dropped Arroyo to 4-4 with a 6.14 ERA in 17 games - 11 starts - lifetime vs. Houston.

Brian Moehler (5-4, 4.45) is in a similar position as Arroyo when he counters for the Astros.

Moehler is 0-4 with an 8.10 ERA in five career starts against the Reds and is coming off his worst outing of the season. The 26-year-old righthander allowed six runs - five earned - and nine hits in 2.1 innings, but did not factor in the decision during Wednesday's 8-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.