Barry larkin watches his throw to first after making a forceout at second. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

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        It was the best night of Barry Larkin's 15-year career — statistically, at least.

        Larkin may have had games where his contributions were more important or more memorable, but none matches his numbers Saturday night at Cinergy Field. Cincinnati's All-Star shortstop had the first five-hit game of his career as the Reds beat the San Diego Padres 11-5.

        Jim Bowden, take notice. Larkin's contract negotiations have not been smooth. He wants a three- or four-year deal, while the Reds are unwilling to do that. But at least one observer said the 36-year-old Larkin hasn't lost a thing. He's now hitting .323 with eight homers, 28 RBI and 10 stolen bases.

        “They're crazy if they don't re-sign him,” said former Red Eric Owens, now a Padre. “It shouldn't even be a question. That's the same Barry Larkin as five years ago.”

        Larkin acknowledged five hits were a big deal but said he was happier with the win.

        “Oh-for-5's cool too if we get a win,” he said. “I was able to do a lot to help the team win.”

        And he didn't even feel that good, saying he felt sore before the game.

        “I remember one game when Pete (Rose) was managing, I didn't feel well. He told me not to try to do too much, and I got four hits,” Larkin said.

        Larkin's Saturday night:

        • First inning: Singled up the middle, moving Pokey Reese to second to help the Reds produce a run. Reese scored on Ken Griffey Jr.'s single.

        • Second inning: Singled to score Eddie Taubensee. Later scored on Dante Bichette's infield single as the Reds added five runs.

        • Fourth inning: Led off with a homer to left, his seventh of the season.

        • 6th inning: Singled, marking his 17th career four-hit game, and scored when Sean Casey reached on an error.

        • Seventh inning: Homered 414 feet to center field, a two-run shot, giving him four RBI for the game.

        It was his 10th career multi-homer game and his first since July 11, 1998, at Arizona. Larkin also scored a career-high four runs for the seventh time in his career.

        Larkin took particular pleasure in the second homer, because he believed Padres pitcher Carlos Almanzar had thrown a high and tight “purpose” pitch on an 0-2 pitch. Larkin then knocked the 1-2 pitch into the green seats.

        The crowd of 43,033 cheered for a curtain call, and Larkin obliged.

        “I just wanted to hit the ball as hard as I could,” Larkin said of his second homer. “I was satisfied.”

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Reds 11, Padres 5 Box, runs Reds vs. Cardinals could be now or never Five-hit game first for Larkin Harnisch to start at Triple-A today Bell, Williamson in jeopardy

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