The quartet of Dale Thayer, Brandon Maurer, Joaquin Benoit and Frank Garces combined to allow one hit over four shutout innings as the Padres topped the Reds, 6-2.
After the relievers posted a combined 5.35 ERA and a .268 opponents' batting average in the opening month of the season, the bullpen ERA since May 1 was 2.84 entering Saturday. Even better, the batting-average-against mark was a scant .218. In 17 games since May 19, the bullpen has a 1.90 ERA.
"They are pitching better and it's an accumulation of a lot of things," Balsley said Saturday.