(AP) – Barry Bonds moved a step closer to catching Hank Aaron in the city where Hammerin’ Hank tied Babe Ruth’s previous home run mark.

Swinging at the first three pitches he saw, Mr. Bonds connected on his third try for homer No. 751 on Tuesday night. He moved four shy of Aaron’s record following the San Francisco Giants’ 7-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

Mr. Aaron’s record-book homer on opening day 1974 landed at Riverfront Stadium, which has since been demolished.

Mr. Aaron’s record soon will be, too.

“I’m playing pretty good for an old guy,” the 42-year-old Mr. Bonds said. “I just wish we were playing better as a team.”

So do the Reds, who have the major leagues’ worst record and its newest manager.

Brandon Phillips’ grand slam gave Pete Mackanin a victory in his debut as Cincinnati’s interim manager. Mackanin was promoted from advance scout after Jerry Narron was fired on Sunday night.

“It doesn’t matter who the manager is,” Mr. Phillips said. “It just feels good to get a win.”

Mr. Bonds’ homer on his third swing of the game drew loud and prolonged boos from the crowd of 37,299, a reminder that fans outside of San Francisco view his record chase through the prism of baseball’s steroid scandal.

Like it or not, he’s closing in.

“Yeah, it’s a little closer,”Mr. Bonds said. “Can I feel it? No. I can feel 751 right now. I can’t feel 755. I can feel 751 – feels good.”