The Reds scored in the first inning Sunday for the fifth game in a row, on D.T. Cromer's two-out home run off Cardinals starter Andy Benes (12-9). That ensured the Reds would extend their major-league record for avoiding shutouts to 163 games, including the Opening Day tie with Milwaukee.

        It also made Cincinnati just the second team in history to score in every regular-season game. The 1932 New York Yankees are the other.

        “How about that?” manager Jack McKeon said. “We left on some kind of a note. If we didn't accomplish anything, at least we set a major-league record.”

        Cromer's homer was the Reds' 200th of the season, marking only the third time in franchise history the team has reached that level. Cincinnati had 209 last year and 221 in 1956.

        Scott Sullivan pitched a perfect seventh inning to finish the year with 106 1/3 innings, tops among major-league relievers. He and Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm (New York Giants, 1952-54) are the only pitchers to lead the majors in relief innings in three consecutive seasons.

        The game wouldn't have been complete without a wild pitch. Reds starter Steve Parris (12-17) threw one in the sixth inning, extending the club's major-league record to 96 for the season.

        Ken Griffey Jr. did not play and finished with a .271 average, 40 homers and 118 RBIs. The average, homers and RBIs were his lowest since his injury-shortened 1995 season (.258, 17, 42).

        Sean Casey also sat out and finished with a .315 average after hitting .372 (90-for-242) from the All-Star break.

        Parris gave up six runs, eight hits and four walks in six innings. He finished the year with three straight losses after winning seven in a row.

        “Today, was the story of our year. We got behind the hitters and they hurt us,” said McKeon. “Parris gave it his best shot, but he came up short.”

Meeting today might settle McKeon's fate McKeon senses end is near Gullett may quit if McKeon goes Cardinals 6, Reds 2 Box, runs

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