The Pittsburgh Pirates won four games in a row, finishing a sweep of the Houston Astros over the weekend.

And they lost 2.5 games in the National League Central standings.

That’s how hot the Cincinnati Reds are right now. They won their 10th game in a row, finishing a 6-0 road trip with a win Sunday over the Rockies as ace Mat Latos improved to 9-3.

”I’m always talking a perfect road trip and we finally had one,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said to the AP.

With a home series against the Padres next, the Reds have a franchise record of 12 in a row in their sights. That hasn’t been done since 1957, and no team has had 13, and the Reds are the oldest franchise in baseball.

On to this week’s Monday Morning Manager:

WHO’S HOT

Paul Konerko, White Sox: Went 12 for 23 with three homers and seven RBI as the White Sox moved back into first place in the AL Central.

Adam Dunn, White Sox: He’s not the only red-hot White Sox player. Dunn hit .391 with three homers and a 1.331 OPS last week.

Ian Kennedy, Diamondbacks: After a spectacular 2011, Kennedy has taken a step back in 2012. But he was 2-0 with a pair of solid starts last week as the Diamondbacks try to make up ground in the AL West.

WHO’S NOT

Josh Hamilton,  Rangers: Can’t shake his slump. He was 1 for 19 last week (.053) and is hitting .145 in July.

Omar Infante, Tigers: Detroit’s new second baseman is 3 for 21 since being traded from Miami.

Francisco Rodriguez, Brewers: He got a closer’s job again, and promptly blew two save opportunities and was lit up for a third appearance on Sunday. His ERA for the week was 40.50.

TOP 5

1. Cincinnati Reds (61-40, last week No. 2)

2. Washington Nationals (61-40, last week No. 2)

3. New York Yankees (60-42, last week No. 4)

4. Texas Rangers (59-41, last week No. 3)

5. Pittsburgh Pirates (58-43, last week NR)

BOTTOM 5

26. San Diego Padres (43-60, last week NR)

27. Kansas City Royals (41-60, last week NR)

28. Chicago Cubs (42-58, last week No. 28)

29. Colorado Rockies (37-63, last week No. 29)

30. Houston Astros (35-68, last week No. 30)