[TeamBoone]

Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Associated Press

CINCINNATI -- Ken Griffey Jr. hit career homer No. 492 in the sixth inning Tuesday night off Florida's Josh Beckett, then glared into the Marlins' dugout as he rounded third base.

Griffey's third homer in the Reds' last three games moved him ahead of Fred McGriff into sole possession of 21st place on the career list.

Griffey also had a rare display of emotion as he rounded the bases on his 11th homer of the season.

Florida manager Jack McKeon chose to intentionally walk Sean Casey, who leads the National League in hitting, with Ryan Freel on second base and one out in the sixth inning. The score was tied at 1.

It was the third time in the last five days that an opponent decided to walk Casey to pitch to Griffey, who evidently took it as a slight. He hit Beckett's first pitch deep into the seats in right field, watching the ball fly as he took his first few steps out of the batter's box.

Griffey, who rarely shows emotion on the field, turned his head and glared at the Marlins for several steps after he rounded third base.

Houston Astros manager Jimy Williams intentionally walked Casey twice to pitch to Griffey during the Reds' four-game sweep. Griffey hit a tiebreaking, two-run double Friday in a 7-4 win, then grounded out Monday in a 7-5 victory.

Beckett became the 310th pitcher to allow a homer to Griffey.