REDS 2, ROCKIES 1

Wednesday, August 04, 1999
REDS 2, ROCKIES 1
Boone's single in 9th wins it

BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Aaron Boone is greeted by Sean Casey, Mark Lewis and Scott Sullivan after his game-winning single.
(AP photos)
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Consistency has been a hallmark of the Boone baseball legacy. Hitting .300 hasn't. Lately, however, Aaron Boone has shown signs of establishing a new family tradition.
Boone continued enhancing the Reds' fortunes — along with his batting average — Tuesday night, driving a bases-loaded single with one out in the ninth inning to break a 1-1 tie and give Cincinnati a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies.
“Boone has been ready to take advantage of opportunity,” said Reds manager Jack McKeon.

Boone wasn't a hero when he got picked off in the second inning.
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The Reds' eighth victory in their last 10 games kept them 2¹/₂ games behind first-place Houston in the National League Central Division. Cincinnati (61-43) trails Atlanta by one game and New York by two in the wild-card race.
Scott Williamson (10-4) earned the decision and established a franchise record for victories by a rookie reliever. Williamson pitched a scoreless ninth, striking out two after Brian McRae hustled for a one-out double and moved to third base on a wild pitch.
After Williamson aroused the Cinergy Field crowd of 22,516, the Reds quickly fin ished matters.

Dmitri Young argues with umpire Paul Nauert after striking out.
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Greg Vaughn's one-out walk began the winning rally off Rockies reliever Mike DeJean (2-4) before Barry Larkin singled sharply to left field. Eddie Taubensee drew a full-count walk to fill the bases.
In that situation, said Boone, “I think the pressure shifts more toward the pitcher.”
It certainly wasn't on Boone, who rapped DeJean's first pitch into the left field corner on one bounce.
“I felt good up there all night,” said Boone, who was 2-for-4. “I just really wanted to get a good pitch to hit in that situation, knowing all I need is a fly ball or something hard through the infield.”

Barry Larkin is all smiles in the dugout after scoring a fourth-inning run.
(Craig Ruttle photo)
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Boone lifted his average to .304, a mild surprise in that he never hit higher than .290 in any of his five previous professional seasons.
In fact, Aaron's brother, former Reds second baseman Bret, reached .300 only once in seven previous seasons. Grandfather Ray Boone twice hit .300 in 12 full years. Bob Boone, father of Aaron and Bret, never batted .300 in 18 major-league seasons.
Boone indicated that climbing to the .300 plateau won't leave him dizzy.
“I've never hit it in pro ball, so I don't think I can consider myself (a .300 hitter),” he said. “I'm just trying to have a consistent approach. I'm learning a lot as far as what it takes to be a good hitter in situations. Especially as a young player, I think it's important that you continue to get better. I feel like I have a long ways to go, but I'm happy about the learning process that's taken place for me.”

Pete Harnisch stretches his neck while at bat.
(Craig Ruttle photo)
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The Reds certainly have welcomed Boone's contributions, especially since Vaughn has hit .196 (11-for-56) since the All-Star break and Sean Casey is suddenly mired in a .147 slump (5-for-34).
Boone has been relatively steady while establishing himself at third base, hitting .327 since being recalled from the minors on May 25, a demotion prompted by an early-season slump. Hitting coach Denis Menke said the source of Boone's improvement is simple: He's using the entire field, reflecting his increased maturity.
“He's still pulling the ball, but now he's pulling it with a little more authority,” Menke said.

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