As in '90, Reds start off with a victory

The Cincinnati Reds turned the traditional National League openerinto a championship party Monday.

The Reds received shiny new World Series championship rings in apre-game ceremony, then showed the visiting Houston Astros how theywon them. Tom Browning pitched eight strong innings and doubled homethree runs in a 6-2 victory that kept the Reds in their favoriteplace - first place.

"We wanted to get off to a good start," shortstop Barry Larkinsaid. "We led all last year. We want to get up on top and staythere."

"A lot of guys had smiles today," Browning said. "We wanted toget out there and defend our title."

Browning, the Reds' top winner last …