Simon's dominating outing features six straight K's

CINCINNATI -- Facing the National League leaders in team strikeouts during Monday's 7-4 Reds loss to the Braves, Alfredo Simon mowed them down. Simon faced six hitters in the sixth and seventh innings and struck out all six.

"It was awesome," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "If you want to strike out somebody, this is the club to do it. He's getting better. He's learning to control his sinker. He's gotten better since we had him. We got him last year off of the scrap heap."

The Reds claimed Simon off of the waiver wire on the eve of Opening Day 2012, and he has become a solid long/middle reliever for the club.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Simon's six consecutive strikeouts are the most by a Reds pitcher since Aaron Harang struck out seven straight during a May 25, 2008, relief appearance at San Diego.

"I felt like every pitch was working last night," Simon said. "My two-seamer and my slider and my breaking ball were really good. I tried to attack the hitter, and when they got a strike, I just tried to strike them out."