Belcher Pitches Reds Past Dodgers, Pedro Martinez

CINCINNATI — Four victories in a row make Tim Belcher feel a little better about his season, but not much.

Belcher pitched seven strong innings Wednesday night to win his fourth consecutive start and lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-1 victory over the Dodgers.

Belcher (15-14) matched his career high in victories by beating his former team for the second time in four starts. The right-hander gave up five singles in seven innings, striking out seven, and Rob Dibble closed the game with a perfect ninth for his 25th save.

The victory came one night after the Reds were eliminated in the National League West.

“This is a little bittersweet,” Belcher said. “Falling out of the race (Tuesday) night was a tough thing. Personally, I feel pretty good about my finish. But I certainly would like to have that game in Atlanta back. That was a huge game in a big series.”

The Dodgers’ Pedro Martinez (0-1) pitched well in his first major league start, giving up four hits and striking out seven in six innings. Martinez, younger brother of Dodger starter Ramon Martinez, has made only one other appearance in the majors, pitching two scoreless relief innings against the Reds last week.

“I have a lot of confidence in myself,” Martinez said. “Ramon and the other guys have talked to me and told me how it would be. I was real comfortable tonight.

“This is a dream come true, what you saw here.”