Lucky Reds fan spreads wealth after big catches

An extremely fortunate Cincinnati Reds fan is more of a giver than a receiver.

Caleb Lloyd, a 20-year-old college student, somehow caught back-to-back home run balls Monday and more amazingly gave them away.

One ball went to the friend who asked him to go to Great American Ball Park and the other to Mike Leake in exchange for his autograph because it was the Reds pitcher's first homer.

"I just wanted to meet him," Lloyd said outside the Reds' clubhouse.

The Reds homered three consecutive times in the fourth inning of their 4-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Cincinnati's first homer, off Leake's bat, went directly to Lloyd.

"I didn't expect to actually catch it," Lloyd told reporters. "I never actually caught a home run ball. It hurt really bad."

Shortstop Zack Cozart followed with a blast three pitches later, and the ball bounced behind Lloyd and into his lap.

"I was blessed to catch both of them," Lloyd said. "I can't believe it's happened. It's some kind of dream."

Now Lloyd needs to parlay his fortune into a trip to Las Vegas. He knows something about beating the odds.

■ PLAYOFFS WITHOUT PEACE - The headline in Tuesday's Oklahoman: "PEACE OUT."

For the few who don't know, it was a shot at Lakers forward Metta World Peace, who late in the season was suspended seven games for throwing an elbow that gave the Thunder's James Harden a concussion.

Oklahoma City gained revenge with a 4-1 series win to oust Los Angeles from the playoffs, capping it with Monday's 106-90 victory.

While the Thunder move on to play the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers face a second consecutive offseason with major questions.

Such as whether to keep enigmatic 7-foot center Andrew Bynum.

What does Bynum think the Lakers should do?

"I'm not sure," Bynum told TNT's Craig Sager. "It really doesn't matter to me. I'll play anywhere. I think for the most part I had a pretty decent season and an OK postseason, so we'll see."

Lakers fans have been waiting for Bynum to grow up.

They need to keep waiting.

■ STRIKING OUT - Joe Smith tried to get into a Cleveland-area bar early Sunday, but instead of producing identification, he told security he pitches for the Indians.

Security wasn't pleased with his response, and police were called to settle the matter.

According to the police report, the officer noted, "Mr. Smith became upset with me because I did ... not know who he was."

Smith's girlfriend told the officer, "He's a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians."

His girlfriend is Cleveland TV sports reporter Allie LaForce. She might have some splainin' to do to her bosses.

No charges were filed against Smith, who disputed the police report. But, according to the report, LaForce's mother flashed some $100 bills and asked the officer, "Can you guys take a tip?"

The officer reported he told her "we would not be taking any gratuities."

COMPILED BY MARK ANDERSON LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL