Ondrusek aims to build off outing vs. Bucs

ATLANTA -- When Reds reliever Logan Ondrusek pitched a scoreless seventh inning during Thursday's 2-1 win over the Pirates, it was important for his confidence. Ondrusek was coming off back-to-back bad outings, with the previous one coming last Saturday when he allowed three runs and four hits in two-thirds of an innings vs. the Cubs.

"You've got to build on one," Ondrusek said. "If you have a bad one, you have to forget about it as quick as you can. Once you get back out there, have a good one and build off of it and keep getting better. That's how streaks get started."

It's been tough for Ondrusek to get momentum. The Cubs outing was his first action in 10 days after he gave up two runs and two hits to the Cardinals on April 8. It left him with an 11.25 ERA.

"You try to do your best with it and try to be ready when you're called," Ondrusek said.

On Thursday, Ondrusek gave up a two-out single to Neil Walker and had to face Andrew McCutchen. Entering the at-bat, McCutchen was 4-for-8 with two home runs against Ondrusek, but he grounded into an inning-ending fielder's choice.

"You've got to face guys and can't be afraid of anyone. You have to go after them and do the best you can," Ondrusek said.