(My Sportsbook) - The Reds had high hopes for Ryan Dempster when they acquired him from the Florida Marlins on July 11 of last season. Manager Bob Boone thought that his squad had secured it an ace hurler for the future.

Being the Reds' top starter nowadays isn't that tough and Dempster appeared to be a shoe-in for the slot. Nonetheless, Cincy wanted to give him half a season to get comfortable and work his way into the No. 1 spot.

Dempster never panned out in 2002, though, as he finished just 5-5 with a 6.19 ERA in 15 starts. He did manage to win his final three decisions of the season, once again getting the front office's hopes up heading into this year.

The 26-year-old continued to show promise in the early going of this season, posting an impressive seven-hit, one-run complete game victory over Houston on April 8. His season quickly went south on April 13 versus Philadelphia, as he was tagged for five hits and nine runs, while walking five over 3 2/3 innings in an ugly loss.

One bad start doesn't typically make a season, but it definitely hurt Dempster's confidence. The hurler then went eight straight starts without a win (0-4) and found himself closed to slipping from the rotation. During the skid, Dempster spent 15 days on the disabled list with a neck injury.

His ERA grew as large as 7.96 after a lackluster effort versus Toronto on June 7, as he was touched up for seven hits and seven runs over 5 2/3 innings.

Boone didn't allow his confidence in Dempster to waiver, though, and he sent him to the mound last week against lowly Tampa Bay hoping for big things. Dempster found himself versus the Devil Rays, surrendering only four hits and a run (none earned) over 7 1/3 innings. He struck out five and walked two in just his second victory of the year.

"It was real exciting to see Dempster pitch the way that he pitched," Boone said after the 2-1 win. "We've been waiting for that a long time. He's had some physical setbacks, but that's the way I expect him to pitch just about all the time."

One solid start was impressive, but the true test came Tuesday night against the first place Chicago Cubs. Dempster went to the hill and promptly twirled seven strong frames, giving up six hits and one run while fanning seven and walking two. He matched an excellent from Cubs' twirler Carlos Zambrano in the contest.

Thanks to Dempster's efforts, the Reds stayed in the game long enough to allow Sean Casey post a game-winning single in the 10th frame. Cincy won for the 18th time in its last at-bat.

Wily Mo Pena had come on to pinch-run for Russell Branyan, who drew a walk to start the 10th. After Barry Larkin laid down a sacrifice bunt and Jose Guillen lined out sharply to right, Casey provided the heroics with a drive into right field to score Pena.

"Any time you play the Cubs and they're in first place, it matters," Casey said. "We had to have this one."

Cincinnati made up for its loss in the opener of the series on Monday and returned to within three games of the Cubs. The Reds have won five of their last seven contests overall.

With Dempster finally rounding into form and Paul Wilson pitching pretty well, general manager Jim Bowden's recent acquisitions are beginning to pay dividends. Boone can only hope that more pitching help will arrive prior to the trade deadline.

WHO'S HOT

Very quietly veteran reliever Kent Mercker has been excellent out of the bullpen this season. Mercker has surrendered just five earned runs over 25 innings of action, as he has posted a 1.80 ERA. He has struck out 25 and walked 17 in the contest.

Austin Kearns continues to improve his batting average as of late, hitting in nine straight contests. Kearns has improved his average 13 points to .295 with two homers and six RBI. For the year, Kearns is tied for third in the National League with 57 RBI.

WHO'S NOT

Danny Graves has been pushed back in the rotation after losing four consecutive starts. Graves hasn't won since a complete game victory on May 14 against St. Louis. His ERA has rose to 5.20 for the season during the losing streak.

COMING UP

Cincy has a pair of contests remaining against the Cubs before embarking on a 12-game road trip starting in Arizona this weekend. For the season, the Reds are 15-16 in foreign ballparks.