Neither one was around for the finish. Neither one expected to be - nor was particularly bothered by it.
Orel Hershiser, with his strongest performance since reconstructive shoulder surgery in April 1990, pitched 81/3 innings in beating the Atlanta Braves 3-2 Tuesday night.The Los Angeles Dodgers' star pitcher, who hasn't lost to the Braves since Aug. 8, 1987, allowed four hits with three strikeouts and two walks. It was the first time he went more than 71/3 innings since returning last May 29 from the surgery.
Hershiser was replaced by John Candelaria with David Justice at the plate.
"I think it was the right call," said Hershiser. "It was unchartered waters for me."
Also in a strange place was Dave Righetti, who made his first start in nine years.
Righetti, owner of the major league record for saves by a left-hander with 251, lasted five innings, giving up three hits and two runs and striking out four. He threw 58 pitches, 41 for strikes.
"I don't think people expected a lot, but I expected a lot from myself. It was my concern not to tax the bullpen," Righetti said. "I wanted to keep the team within striking distance and have a chance to win the ballgame."
He didn't. The Giants fell 3-2 as Bill Doran doubled home Hal Morris with the winning run in the ninth off Rod Beck.
Reds 3, Giants 2
At San Francisco, Righetti made his first start since Sept. 16, 1983, when he pitched for the New York Yankees. Since then, he made 522 consecutive relief appearances, with his longest outing at four innings on May 1, 1985, with the Yankees.
Padres 5, Astros 4
At San Diego, rookie Dan Walters knocked in three runs and had his first major league homer. He drove in the decisive run with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth.
Cardinals 6, Cubs 5, 11 innings
At St. Louis, Todd Zeile singled home the winning run with two outs in the 11th. Ozzie Smith singled and Bernard Gilkey followed with his fourth hit of the game. One out later, Zeile singled off Bob Scanlan (1-3) to drive in Smith.
Pirates 5, Phillies 3
At Philadelphia, the Pirates snapped a six-game road slide as Andy Van Slyke drove in three runs with a single and double. The Pirates had lost nine of 10 on the road.
Mets 6, Expos 5
At Montreal, John Franco blew a save opportunity for the first time all year as his 15-inning scoreless streak ended when the Expos got four runs in the eighth. But Franco retired Montreal in the ninth after Chico Walker's bases-loaded single provided the winning run.