Aaron Booneis congratulated by coaches Jose Cardenal, left, and Ray Knight after hitting the game-winning home run in the 11th inning. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        A fan behind the Cincinnati Reds dugout had a shrill message for manager Bob Boone. “Some guy behind me kept yelling, 'Take Aaron out, he's killing our team,”' Boone said. “I couldn't find him after that first homer.”

        The father and son heard nothing but unbridled cheers Friday night after Aaron Boone hit a one-out, solo homer in the ninth to tie the game and another solo shot in the 11th for a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

        For the second time since they took sole possession of first place in the National League Central Division on May 26, the Reds rallied to win a game and keep the Cardinals at the doorstep, one game back.

        It looked like their 49-day streak was history after Craig Wilson hit a two-run homer and slumping Aramis Ramirez had his first pinch homer. But the Reds piled up four solo homers from the seventh inning onward to pull the game out.

        “They were all solos, but they ended up adding up for us,” said Austin Kearns, who started the barrage in the seventh.

        Juan Encarnacion homered in the eighth, cutting the margin to 3-2, but the Pirates brought on nearly perfect closer Mike Williams for the ninth. Williams had blown one save in 20 chances.

        The right-hander got the first out, then left a first-pitch slider over the plate to Boone. He pulled it over the left-field wall to tie the game.

        Boone, who entered the game in a 7-for-43 slump, led off the 11th and again hit the first pitch from Williams (1-1). This time, it was a fastball that barely cleared the wall in right-center as Wilson made a desperate stretch for the ball.

        “I was just hoping that it would go over his head and hit off the wall,” Boone said. “To see it go out was pretty cool.”

        Boone doesn't have many hits, but they've sure been memorable. Six of his last 13 hits were homers.

        “It's just a matter of clearing your head and playing ball,” Boone said. “Sometimes you do too listening, too much work, too much trying. It's been a struggle, but the great thing is that we're in first place and it's not too late too late to have a nice year.”

        Notes: Pirates starter Kris Benson gave up one hit in three innings, but didn't return after the rain delay. The Pirates are being cautious with Benson, who had reconstructive elbow surgery and missed last season. ... Williams had earned four saves since his only other blown chance May 27. ... Outfielder Brian Giles singled and struck out against Dessens. He's 14-for-23 (.609) for his career off the right-hander. ... The Reds sold 30,820 tickets for a Chris Sabo bobblehead giveaway Friday. A Johnny Bench bobblehead giveaway earlier this season drew 38,777.

Reds 4, Pirates 3 Reds box, runs If crowds grow, so do Reds Pete Rose is a hit at ballpark site visit Boone shuts 'em up with his bat Griffey's hamstring improving, so DL out for now Newest Red throws from left side with upside No DH Interleague roundup Notes from Friday's games Lousiville 2, Norfolk 1

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