Tuesday, May 04, 1999

Reds hope home is where the victories are

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BY JOHN FAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Mike Cameron looks to first for an appeal of a strike call. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        Theoretically, now is the time for the Reds to put together a run.

        Monday's 4-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks was the start of a 13-day, 11-game homestand — the longest of the year. Struggling teams typically get well on home cooking.

        “It was good to start the homestand with a win,” said Mike Cameron, who drove in the game-winner with a single in the ninth inning. “It's big, very big.”

        Before Monday, playing at home was no bargain for the Reds. Monday's win made them 5-8 at home, 5-6 on the road.

        “I think maybe when we're at home the players put too much pressure on themselves,” Reds manager Jack McKeon said. “They try to do too much. All you can ask for is for them to do their level best.

        “We need to get a couple of clutch hits to get us going.”

        The Reds did the little things in the ninth to win. Aaron Boone got down a bunt single to start the inning. Pokey Reese bunted him to second. Then pinch-hitters Mark Sweeney and Hal Morris worked walks. So all Cameron needed was a fly ball. He delivered one over the right fielder's head.

        “We've got to get some consistency,” McKeon said. “Consistency is when the hitting and pitching comes together at the same time.”

        The long homestand gives the fans something to see:

        • Arizona's Randy Johnson will make his first start at Cinergy Field Wednesday.

        • Reigning MVP Sammy Sosa, who hit 66 home runs last year, comes in with the Cubs for three games over the weekend.

        • The Brewers, in their second season in the National League, visit for two games.

        • San Diego's Tony Gwynn, who is 36 hits short of 3,000 for his career, comes in May 15-17.

       

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