Pokey Reese scored two runs. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        Ask Pokey Reese about his early offensive success, and he'll mention a host of teammates and coaches. Though surrounded by that group in theory, Reese actually stands alone.

        Reese is the only Red to hit safely in each of the first four games, including Monday's rain-suspended Opening Day tie. He maintained his production Thursday night by singling and scoring in his first two at-bats to help launch Cincinnati to a 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Cinergy Field.

        Thrust into the leadoff role full-time after sharing it with Mike Cameron last year, Reese has responded prodigiously. He's hitting .571 (8-for-14), tops among Cincinnati's regulars, and leads the team with five runs scored. He has reached base safely to begin every game but one.

        Reese pointed out that batting atop the Reds' star-studded lineup has afforded him better opportunities.

        “I'm getting good pitches to hit,” said Reese, 6-for-8 in the last two games. “They don't want to walk me with "Lark' (Barry Larkin), (Ken Griffey) Junior and (Dante) Bichette coming up. They're challenging me, and hopefully I can continue to do what I've been doing.”

        Receiving a constant stream of strikes should help the Gold Glove-winning second baseman exceed the .272 average he recorded while batting leadoff in 76 games last year. He hit .285 overall.

        “I'm around some professional hitters — Lark, Junior, Bichette, (Sean) Casey, Halmo (Hal Morris),” Reese said. “And I've been working with (hitting coach Denis) Menke and (Ken Griffey) Senior. It can only help me.”

        Using the entire field is central to Reese's approach. He has stroked two of his hits to left field, three to center and two to right. His other hit was a masterly two-strike bunt.

        “He's hitting the ball like he did last year, not trying to overswing,” manager Jack McKeon said.

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