The group that was supposed to impede Cincinnati's progress instead has hastened it. Thursday, Elmer Dessens maintained the pattern of strong starting performances in the Reds' 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dmitri Young points to Reds dugout after his 3-run double. Dessens became the fourth consecutive starter to work at least six innings, lasting a season-high seven innings while surrendering seven hits and Pittsburgh's lone run. The guys will grab a little more confidence.
Every little bit helps.
There's not a lot of pressure on the starting pitching. They don't expect us to go seven or eight innings like on a lot of teams, because so many guys in the bullpen can throw the way they do. It's a huge plus. If your pitchers are going six or seven innings early in April, you're doing pretty well. Doubts arose mainly because Harnisch is the only Red who has spent an entire season in a starting rotation.