Thursday, September 30, 1999

Season down to 3 games

---

BY JOHN FAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        HOUSTON — You didn't think they were going to win them all, did you?

        The Reds fell to the Houston Astros 4-1 Wednesday night in the Astrodome, snapping the Reds' six-game winning streak and dropping them into a tie with the Astros for first place in the National League Central.

        The Reds split the crucial two-game series with the Astros.

        The New York Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 9-2 to end their eight-game losing streak. That means the Mets trail the Reds and Astros by 1¹/₂ games in the NL wild-card race.

        The Reds traveled to Milwaukee after the game. They have an off-day there today, then on Friday open the three-game series with the Brewers that ends the regular season.

        “These are the biggest games of our careers,” Reds second baseman Pokey Reese said. “It's either win and go to the playoffs or lose and go home. We've come too far to let Milwaukee spoil it.”

        The Astros are also off today. They play the Los Angeles Dodgers here in a three-game series beginning Friday.

        The Mets play the Braves again today in New York, then close with a three-game series against Pittsburgh.

        Houston's Mike Hampton, a leading candidate for the Cy Young Award, shut down the Reds Wednesday night for his 21st victory of the season.

        “We're not happy with the split here,” shortstop Barry Larkin said. “We have to regroup and go to Milwaukee. Hopefully, two out of three will do. But if we have to win three, we can do that, too.”

        Astros 4, Reds 1
Three games to chew your nails Paul Daugherty column
Astros: 'It was a big win'
REDS NOTEBOOK
Box, runs
Pokey second to none?
Mets 9, Braves 2
Playoff seats still for sale
Postseason possibilities abound
How Reds, Astros, Mets finish

Reds page