Casey helps Reds close spring with win

Published 12:00 am Saturday, April 3, 2004

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Sean Casey drove in a run and scored on a passed ball in the Cincinnati Reds' 5-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, the final spring training game for both teams.

Jose Acevedo allowed one earned run and six hits in four innings for the Reds.

In the seventh, plate umpire Darren Spagnari credited Baltimore's Keith Osik with a three-run homer before reversing his decision when Reds manager Dave Miley came out and questioned the ruling.

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Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli argued, but the reversal stood.

Brian Roberts and Melvin Mora each had an RBI double for Baltimore, 12-16 in spring training this year.

The Reds finished 18-16 for their first winning spring since 1997.

After the game, the Reds purchased the contracts of reliever Todd Jones and backup catcher Javier Valentin.

Baltimore hosts the Red Sox on Sunday night in its regular-season opener. Cincinnati opens Monday at home against the Chicago Cubs.

Griffey in Cincinnati

DUNEDIN, Fla. - (AP) Pencil in Ken Griffey Jr. as the Cincinnati Reds opening day center fielder.

Griffey left his teammates behind in Florida and returned home to rehabilitate his injured right calf in preparation for the Reds' home opener Monday against the Chicago Cubs.

The eight-time All-Star was hurt Monday when he slipped leaving the batter's box against Pittsburgh.

''He will work out with us Sunday, and from all telltale signs he should be good to go on Monday,'' manager Dave Miley said Friday in Dunedin, Fla.

Griffey hit just .158 with one homer and five RBIs in 38 at-bats this spring.