Monday, May 17, 1999
Scouting report
Reds (16-18) at Rockies (15-18)
Where: Coors Field, Denver.
When: 9:05 p.m. today and Tuesday; 5:05 p.m. Wednesday.
Radio: WLW-AM (700).
TV: Fox Sports Ohio, Tuesday only.
At the plate
The Rockies remain one of the league's potent offensive teams, ranking fourth with a .279 batting average through Saturday. But they were eighth in runs scored.
Right fielder Larry Walker leads the majors with a .407 average. He also has eight homers and 32 RBI. But Dante Bichette and Vinny Castilla (five homers apiece) haven't matched their power output of years past Second baseman Mike Lansing, a disappointment upon joining the team last year, is hitting .321.
St.Xavier High School and Miami University graduate Chris Sexton has appeared in eight games as a utility player, batting .176 (3-for-17).
On the mound
Today: Pete Harnisch (2-4, 3.97) vs. Bobby Jones (1-1, 5.54).
Tuesday: Jason Bere (2-0, 6.53) vs. TBA.
Wednesday: Denny Neagle (0-3, 6.46) vs. Brian Bohanon (6-1, 3.31).
Rockies pitchers have posted a 6.08 ERA for last in the NL. The bullpen (6.27) has been worse than the starting rotation (6.03).
Brian Bohanon, who has limited opponents to a .225 batting average, has been consistent. But Dave Veres, who has a 5.40 ERA to go with four saves, hasn't been the answer as Colorado's closer, explaining the Rockies' recent interest in Minnesota right-hander Rick Aguilera.
Outlook
The Reds lost five of nine games against Colorado last year, including five of the last six. Bobby Jones, tonight's Rockies starter, was 2-0 with a 4.02 ERA against Cincinnati. Jason Bere, Tuesday's starter for the Reds, needs a strong outing to have a chance to remain in the rotation, now that Steve Parris and Brett Tomko have excelled.
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Reds page