Aaron Boone hit 2 HR. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        The Reds' players-only meeting Wednesday reflected their seriousness about improving in the season's second half. Aaron Boone emphasized the depth of that resolve.

        After the meeting, Boone took extra batting practice and didn't leave Cinergy Field until 7:30 p.m., nearly two hours after the game. He saw immediate results Thursday, crushing two home runs to help the Reds deny the Pittsburgh Pirates a four-game series sweep with a 7-1 victory.

        “I had so many blisters on my hand today that it was hurting to swing,” said Boone, who recorded his second career two-homer game. “Luckily, a couple felt really good.”

        Though the Reds (33-51) reclaimed fifth place in the National League Central Division from the Pirates and ended a four-game losing streak, their futility remained historic. Their 11-31 home record is the worst after 42 games since the expansion Montreal Expos began their inaugural 1969 season with an identical record at Jarry Park.

Kelly Stinnett tags out John Vander Wal. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        Cincinnati finished its 3-5 homestand with the kind of all-around performance worth duplicating. Rookie Jose Acevedo (2-1) won his second straight start, lasting six innings, and received airtight relief from Scott Sullivan and Danny Graves. Sharp defense came from right fielder Alex Ochoa, who made several running catches, and shortstop Pokey Reese, who threw out John Vander Wal at home plate after the Pirate broke from third base in the seventh inning with the Reds leading 2-1.

        The Reds then settled matters with a five-run seventh on Boone's two-run homer and Brady Clark's three-run shot.

        “We have 80 games to go (actually, 78) to return the favor from some of this beating we've been taking,” said Boone, who also homered in the fifth off Pittsburgh starter Dave Williams (1-1). “It's no fun when you're losing every day. It kind of affects your morale. We have to play the ball we're capable of for 80 games. If you're doing that, you can turn the season into a positive and make it fun. If you're getting beat every day ... I know, personally, I'm miserable.”

        Boone probably felt otherwise during his early-evening BP session. Annoyed, perhaps.

Boone gets a pat from Ron Oester. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        He was joined not only by interim batting coach Mike Greenwell and bench coach Tim Foli but also by teammates Barry Larkin and Ochoa, who joined in the extra hitting — and talking.

        “It became a full-blown hitting discussion with about 10 different opinions,” said Reds manager Bob Boone, who also was present.

        Like many sons, Aaron Boone occasionally bristles at his father's advice, even though Bob Boone's 19 years as a major-league player have given him a wealth of knowledge.

        “When I open my mouth, he gets mad,” Bob Boone remarked. “It becomes, "No, you're wrong.'”

        “I did say that at one point,” Aaron Boone recalled.

Boone hits his second HR. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        With a .285 average through Wednesday, Aaron Boone hadn't been struggling. But he hadn't thrived, either, though he overcame last year's mangled left knee and this year's broken right hand with little fuss. His swing had gotten slightly “long,” causing him to pull balls foul and miss breaking pitches.

        “I've been doing a lot of thinking at the plate,” said Aaron Boone. “As a result, I've been doing OK but not as well as I know I'm capable of.”

        The third baseman hoped his extra work would help him regain the “feel” that all athletes have when they know they're primed to excel.

        “We as hitters are constantly searching for that,” Boone said. “When you walk up there, it just happens.”

Ken Griffey Jr. avoids a collision with Pokey Reese and make a catch. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        To certify what was happening Thursday, Ochoa decided to test Boone after his first homer.

        “I was messing with him,” Ochoa said. “I asked him, "Hey, did you feel good then?' He said, "I'm not sure.'”

        Ochoa repeated his question after Boone's next blast and was told, “I felt pretty good.”

        Said Ochoa: “It's good to see him get results that quickly. That's always nice.”

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