"Of all the moves the Reds have made this year, the one that could pay off the most is sending Edinson Volquez to Dayton to get his mechanics straightened out.

Volquez has been a different pitcher since returning, a pitcher who could very well help the Reds in the postseason.

Volquez pitched eight innings of one-run ball to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 Tuesday night before a crowd of 22,761 at Miller Park. Volquez allowed three hits, struck out six, walked four and recorded 16 groundball outs. He threw 108 pitches, 67 strikes.

"That's as good as it gets right there," Baker said. "He was outstanding, dotting that fastball, 94 to 96. He had an excellent breaking ball and a very good change-up."

The ninth was a major adventure for Francisco Cordero but he got out of it for his 38th save.

The Reds' magic number to clinch their first division title since 1995 is four.

The St. Louis Cardinals lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2. The Reds lead the National League Central by eight with 10 games to play.

"We pick up another game in the standings," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "That's what counts. It got a little hairy at the end."

The news was not all good for the Reds: Jim Edmonds left the game with what was called "a strained lower right leg."

Edmonds felt something pop in his foot as he ran the bases after a second inning home run. It could be the end of the season and his career. He's been dealing with an Achilles problem all year.

"It's same old story," he said. "It gets better, then it gets worse. When it popped, it kind of worried me. That hasn't happened. I thought I tore it. But I was able to run once I slowed down. I've been expecting it."

Since coming back from the two-start stay in the Dayton, Volquez has made three starts. He's given up three runs over 21 2/3 innings (1.25 ERA). He's allowed only 10 hits, seven walks and struck out 23.

"He's getting better every time out," Baker said. "His control is better. His tempo is better."

How does Volquez fit in the picture for a postseason start?

"The better he pitches, the more he fits," Baker said.

The Reds gave Volquez an early lead. Edmonds homered with one out in the second -- a high shot to right for his 11th. "