Wednesday, September 29, 1999
Dierker says pressure's on Reds
The Associated Press
HOUSTON — Astros manager Larry Dierker tried to find a silver lining in falling out of first place for the first time since Aug. 19.
“Maybe this is good,” Dierker said. “We've had the pressure of them (the Reds) pushing, pushing. Now the pressure is off because we're not in the lead any more. Let them see how it feels to be pushed. There's still time.”
Jose Lima lamented his first-inning pitch to Sean Casey, who hit his 25th homer. The Reds added three more runs off Lima in the second and third innings.
“I only made one mistake, the fastball to Casey,” Lima said. “I'm disappointed we didn't get the win, but I'm not disappointed with the way I pitched. I was trying to keep my team in the game and I did.”
Lima lost his third straight decision since getting his 20th victory Sept. 11.
Despite Tuesday's defeat, the Astros held their 11/2-game lead over New York for the wild-card spot. The Mets lost to Atlanta 9-3.
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