Momentum is the next day's starting pitcher

What makes baseball a unique game is the frequency in which it's played. Something I'm sure the Reds are grateful for Saturday. Less than 24 hours after taking a 6-1 shellacking from the Pirates, Cincinnati returned the favor exploding for seven runs in the fifth inning to break open a 2-2 tie and pound Pittsburgh 11-2.

Some minor encouraging things to take away from the game were Juan Francisco working himself into a hitter's count and coming through with an RBI single to give the Reds a 3-2 lead. There's still some question whether Francisco is the heir apparent to Scott Rolen at third base (he strikes out way too much and is too much of a free swinger), but Reds fans had to be satisfied with the way he came through in the fifth. Hope his calf injury isn't anything serious.

Also it was nice to see Nick Masset pitch a scoreless ninth inning. Sure he had a nine-run lead and his command wasn't sharp, but it's not always easy to shut a team down with a big lead; and let's face it, the kid could use a confidence builder. Besides, this team needs Masset to return to form if this team is to return to the playoffs.

Can't wrap this up without mentioning Jonny Gomes and Mike Leake. Gomes clubbed two home runs and knocked in three while Leake rebounded from his last outing -- in which he couldn't hold a five-run lead -- and limited the Pirates to two runs on four hits in six innings. He did walk four but all in all a nice way to rebound after struggling in Arizona.

No time to rest on their laurels. The two teams go back at it Sunday at 1:10.

Finally, my thanks to everyone who has posted a comment or signed to be a follower. Hopefully the first of many. Plus, a shout out to my softball teammate who joined me at the batting cage. Thanks again, Skip, let's put on a Laser Show Sunday!