HOUSTON — Aaron Boone's throwing error Sunday helped Houston launch a three-run fifth inning that broke a 2-2 tie and ruined Reds starter Jose Acevedo's afternoon.

        After yielding two first-inning runs, Acevedo, who allowed six runs in four innings in his big-league debut last Tuesday, blanked Houston for the next three innings.

        Then came the fifth, which Jose Vizcaino started with a single. Boone dove to his right to backhand Jeff Bagwell's hard grounder, fielded the ball and came up throwing to second base. His peg missed Pokey Reese and flew into right field, advancing the runners to second and third. After Lance Berkman's single scored Vizcaino and finished Acevedo, Daryle Ward's grounder and Vinny Castilla's double off Jim Brower scored the inning's final two runs.

        “I got caught in-between a little,” Boone said. “I was going to try to throw from my knees or stand up and throw. When I decided to stand up, I think I rushed it a little. I probably should have stayed on my knees and gathered myself.”

        Boone tried to atone, belting his sixth homer of the season with two outs in the sixth inning and Sean Casey aboard to tie the score 5-5.

        LARKIN SITS: Nothing's physically wrong with shortstop Barry Larkin. Boone simply wanted to rest him for two days in a row, combined with today's scheduled off-day.

        “I didn't check with him. I just did it,” said Boone, though he did discuss the matter with Larkin. “Lark always wants to play.”

        Larkin pinch-hit against Astros relief ace Billy Wagner in the ninth inning and flew out.

        SENIOR MOMENT: Boone said he spoke recently to Ken Griffey Sr., the hitting coach who's csidelined with neck, back and left shoulder trouble.

        “He's doing well,” Boone said. “He's starting his rehabilitation and massage therapy. He said he felt better.”

        Boone said he didn't discuss a specific return date with Griffey, who's expected to miss another week or two. Double-A Chattanooga hitting coach Mike Greenwell has been replacing Griffey temporarily.

        ETC.: Dennys Reyes emerged from his Saturday bullpen session feeling strong, leaving him on schedule to pitch a simulated game Tuesday in St. Louis. Reyes, who went on the disabled list May 30 with tightness in his left forearm, probably will throw around 30 pitches.

        UP NEXT: Scheduled off-day in St. Louis. The Reds begin a two-game series against the Cardinals on Tuesday, with Chris Reitsma (4-6) facing St. Louis' Andy Benes (6-5).

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