Reds Blast The Astros Into Orbit

he last time the Reds got off to such a good start, they ended up winning the World Series.

Chris Heisey drove in three runs, and the Reds used a patient approach at the plate to beat the Houston Astros 8-2 on Tuesday night for their best start in 21 years.

At 4-0, they're the only unbeaten team left in the National League. They hadn't won their first four since 1990, when they opened 8-0 and went on to sweep Oakland for their last World Series championship.

"You get off to a good start and try to keep the momentum going and keep winning," Heisey said. "I'll say we're probably going to lose a game before long, but if we go 162-0, we'll be making some serious headlines."

The defending NL Central champs showed a lot of confidence in their first four, playing up to a title that's had a carry-over effect.

"Remember I said that whatever we sold last year was going to be an easier sell this year because of the results," manager Dusty Baker said.

By contrast, the Astros fell to 0-4, the second year in a row they've foundered. They dropped the first eight games last season, burying themselves in the Central with a 17-34 start in April and May. Houston finished the season strong and wanted to avoid another discouraging beginning this time around.