On May 19, 1999, the Reds partied like it was, well, partied like it was 1999, scoring 24 runs on 28 hits, including six homers in bashing the Colorado Rockies, 24-12. It probably would not surprise you to know that this game was played at Coors Field.
Jeffrey Hammonds led the onslaught with three home runs and one double, five runs scored, and five rbi. Sean Casey reached base seven different times with four hits (including two home runs) and three walks. Casey also scored five runs and had six rbi. Seven different Reds players had three or more hits, which tied a major league record. Even the pitchers contributed three hits among them in the game (spread amongst three different pitchers).
According to Redleg Journal, by Greg Rhodes and John Snyder, the following club and league records were set or tied:
1. The two teams combined for 81 total bases, breaking the record of 79 set in 1923.
2. The Reds had 55 total bases, tying the total set against Louisville in 1893 and breaking the modern mark of 48 set against the Cubs in 1957.
3. 15 extra base hits by the Reds (nine doubles and six homers) tied the modern National League record.
4. 28 hits tied the modern club record set in 1902.
5. 24 runs were the most by the Reds in a game since 1911
6. Mike Cameron tied a major league record for most plate appearances in a nine-inning game (8)
7. Sean Casey tied a modern major league record for “most times reached base, nine-inning game, batting 1.000” (seven)
8. Hammonds and Casey tied club records with the five runs scored
The game raised Casey’s season batting average to .399 with a 1.176 OPS through May 19. He finished the season at .339 with 25 homers, 99 rbi, and a .938 OPS.
The Rockies used seven pitchers on the day. Starting pitcher Brian Bohannon gave up 10 hits and 7 runs through 2 2/3 innings, but still didn’t get the loss. That went to his first reliever, Jerry DiPoto, who gave up 7 hits and 6 runs in 1 2/3 innings. Reds’ starter Denny Neagle didn’t exactly keep the cows in the barn. Lasting 1 2/3 innings himself, Neagle gave up 7 hits and six runs. Winning pitcher Steve Parris pitched 3 1/3 innings (3 runs) and Gabe White one inning (3 runs) before Ron Villone came on to pitch 3 innings of relief (two hits, no runs) and earn a save.
That’s right…Villone earned his first save as a Red (he only had 8 for his career), pitching shutout ball for the last three innings of a 24-12 blowout.