By John Fay and Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Of the four non-roster players who were in a Reds uniform Opening Day, Kent Mercker is the only one who remains with the club. The veteran left-handed relief pitcher showed again Wednesday why he's such a valuable commodity in certain situations.

With the Reds leading 4-2 and two Cardinals runners on base in the eighth inning, Mercker relieved starter Danny Graves and struck out left-handed hitter Jim Edmonds to end the inning and threat.

Mercker entered Tuesday's game in a nearly identical situation - two runners on and left-handed-hitting Tino Martinez up in the sixth with the Reds ahead 4-2 - and induced an inning-ending double play.

"That's why we've got him here," manager Bob Boone said. "I've been using him like I planned on using him, for that one guy, and it's always got to be the big guy."

BACK ON BENCH: One very dramatic home run was not enough to get Barry Larkin back in the starting lineup.

The Reds started the same lineup Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals as they did Tuesday. Felipe Lopez was at shortstop.

Larkin, of course, came off the bench to hit the two-run, game-winning home run in the ninth inning of Tuesday's 6-5 victory.

"I wasn't planning on playing him (Wednesday and today) with the night and the day game," Boone said.

So Larkin will return to the starting lineup today, with either Juan Castro or Lopez playing second.

LONG TIME COMING: When Aaron Boone and Larkin hit their game-winning home runs against the Cardinals Monday and Tuesday, it marked the first time in nearly 28 years the Reds had won consecutive games in such fashion.

Dan Driessen and George Foster beat the Padres on June 27 and 28, 1975 with extra-inning home runs.

BOWDEN PLEASED: Reds general manager Jim Bowden hasn't spent much time around the batting cage since the April 19 Puerto Rico Purge when he made seven roster moves. The Reds are 11-5 since. They've played better," Bowden said. "They've showed a lot of character and heart."

HAYNES TODAY: Jimmy Haynes will make a rehab start today for Triple-A Louisville.

Haynes is on the disabled list with a bulging disc in his back.

"I want to make sure I can pitch without feeling it and then not feel it the next day," Haynes said.

DEMPSTER SCRATCHED: Pitcher Ryan Dempster (1-2, 7.22 ERA) will not make his scheduled start against the Brewers on Friday after tests found inflammation of a nerve in his neck Wednesday.

Chris Reitsma, who has not started since allowing nine earned runs in five innings against the Rockies on April 29, will start in his place.

PICTURE PERFECT: The Jeff Swinger photo that ran on the sports cover of the Enquirer Wednesday was a hit with the team.

It showed a mob scene of Reds at home plate ready to greet Larkin after his home run.

"The look on everyone's faces . . ." Larkin said. "That's awesome. That's what it's all about."

GRIFFEY UPDATE: Ken Griffey Jr. fielded balls in center field before Wednesday's game, a sign he is beginning to increase his activity.

CARDS FAN: Reds pitcher Paul Wilson still remembers how excited his dad got when Ozzie Smith homered in Game 5 of the 1985 National League Championship Series.

"That was my boyhood team," Wilson said.

The right-hander, who spent part of his childhood in Springfield, Mo., will make his second career start against the Cardinals today.

Wilson last faced the Cardinals on April 4, 1996, when he made his major-league debut with the Mets.

"That was a big deal," he said. "I remember striking out Willie McGee with the bases loaded on a 3-2 changeup. That was such a big thrill."

Wilson (1-3, 5.19 ERA) faces Garrett Stephenson (2-2, 4.14).

STREAK ENDS: Outfielder Jose Guillen saw his career-high hitting streak ended at 11 games Wednesday. He went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

FLASHBACK: When Larkin compares this Reds team to the 1999 version, he isn't exaggerating.

The 1999 Reds had a 15-18 record after 33 games - same as this year.

MILITARY SALUTE: The Reds announced that all military personnel with proper identification are eligible to receive complimentary tickets for nearly all remaining Monday-Thursday home games.

The program does not include premium seating or the Yankees series from June 3-5.

Tickets must be purchased at the Reds advanced ticket windows at Great American Ball Park.