[reds44]

And there was another sign. Ken Griffey Jr. didn't play due to a tight left quadriceps, but he dutifully took the lineup card to the umpires before the game, his seventh straight trip, his seventh straight victory.

"Yeah, I'll be doing it tonight, too (taking the lineup card to the umpires)," he said. "Somebody has to drive this bus."

"Actually, we played really well, but it isn't the best we can play," said Aurilia. "We can still play better defense, play better all-around. We're confident going home."