11 batters into the Racket's first start of his 22nd season, no one had reached base. In the 5th, the incandescent Joe Randa was able to lift one over the breezeway in left for the first Reds run. Meanwhile, Hot Stove (2x4) got his first big league hit, a rare triple which had the added amusement of chasing Junyah up the Hill. The Train (1x3) sac flied him in, and it was 1-1 until the 6th. The 6th inning was the story of this game.
In the 6th, no outs, runners on 1st and 3rd (Ryan Freel, ?their fastest runner? said Dierker) as Clemens struck out Griffey, Jiminez on 1st broke for 2nd. Ausmus, threw down to Everett, cutting in front of the bag, and whipped the throw home. Ausmus put the one handed tag on the sliding Freel. 2-6-2, not easy.
In the bottom of the 6th, further drama. With two outs and Hot Stove again on 3rd, the Reds intentionally walk Speed (2x3, La Vites, in French) who promptly takes 2nd without a throw. Clemens is up, facing Matt Belisle. Clemens bounces one through the middle. A diving stop behind second by the shortstop may have been enough to get Clemens at first. However, ?Buttery Aurilla? lost the ball as it popped out of his hand. No play. Meanwhile, Scott had scored from 3rd and barely had time to turn and wheel in his pal Taveras, flying from 2nd. Putting the capper on Rookies Run the Bases night.
Clemens (7ip,5h,0bb,9K) came in for his final inning in the 7th and bulldogs the Reds. After that, it was merely a matter of Qualls, not sharp, giving up a run and making it 3-2. The Soprano to make his Astros debut by completely mystifying Griffey on 3 pitches. Not only did Griffey K looking, but his bat never twitched off his shoulder. The disturbingly pneumatic introduction of Reds? reliever Ben Weber must be mentioned. Tits came in the 8th, presented Adam Kearns his Golden Sombero for the night, and picked up his second save in as many games.
Tonight it?s Backe vs Paul Wilson, no TV, a 6:05 start.
