Saturday 8.29.09 Reds v Dodgers

[klw]

Stubbs 8
Janish 6
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Rolen 5
Balentien 7
Gomes 9
Tatum 2
Maloney 1
vs. RH Charlie Haeger (1-1, 1.93), a knuckleballer.

Reds on season-high five-game winning streak, their longest since 6-game winning streak from May 12-18 of 2008.
--
1B Kevin Barker has been optioned to Louisville as LHP Matt Maloney comes up to start today's game, manager Dusty Baker told us at his pre-game media session.
"It's always a tough decision, but there are a couple of guys with a little more versatility," Baker said.
Baker said Barker will return once Louisville finishes its Triple-A playoffs.
--
OF Laynce Nix hopes to return in a day or two from a stiff neck. Nix had an MRI on Friday and said he has a bulging disk, and is doing treatments. He said the problem stems from an outfield collision he had with then-Milwaukee teammate Geoff Jenkins a few years ago; after occasional problems since, he finally had it checked out.
--
OF Jay Bruce (disabled/broken wrist) said he has begun swinging a bat but is not yet cleared to hit.
Bruce also will take the lineup card out again today, as he has done during the Reds' current winning streak.
--
Francisco Cordero probably not available today after pitching 4 straight days, Baker says; Rhodes/Masset/Burton could close if needed.
--
Dodgers lineup
Furcal 6
Pierre 8
MRamirez 7
Kemp 9
Loney 3
Loretta 5
Hudson 4
Ausmus 2
Haeger 1