Laynce Nix hit the first grand slam of his career Wednesday, pacing Cincinnati to a 6-1 victory over St. Louis. The Cardinals lost their third in a row and fell two games behind Philadelphia in the race for the second-best record in the National League.

Bronson Arroyo threw the third shutout of his 10-year career Thursday, allowing two hits in carrying the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-0 victory over Washington. Jonny Gomes hit three homers and drove in five runs to give Arroyo plenty of support. Arroyo (11-11) made the 218th start of his career, the last four years of which have been spent with the Reds.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo knows the risk but says that doesn't stop him from taking supplements that could be banned by Major League Baseball. Arroyo, who will make $9.5 million this season, routinely takes pills, powders, liquids, caffeine concentrates, ginseng and things found at local vitamin stores to give him an edge on the field.

Bronson Arroyo allowed four hits and threw the second shutout of his career Friday in carrying the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-0 victory over the New York Mets. Arroyo (9-8) did not walk a batter and struck out five to win for the first time in four decisions.

Jay Bruce's two home runs and four RBI backed up a complete-game effort from Bronson Arroyo Wednesday and brought Cincinnati a 6-1 win over Houston. Arroyo (7-3) went the distance for just the seventh time in his 10-year career, allowing a run on five hits.