John Smoltz became the first 20-game winner of the season, taking a four-hitter into the ninth inning and leading the Atlanta Braves to a 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.
Smoltz (20-6), who never won more than 15 games in a season before 1996, allowed seven hits, walked one and struck out six in 8 1-3 innings as he raised his major league-leading strikeout total to 217.After Orlando Merced's RBI single in the ninth, Mark Wohlers got two outs for his 30th save, allowing a run-scoring single to Charlie Hayes.
Astros 8, Cubs 3
At Chicago, Craig Biggio had three hits and drove in two runs and Mike Hampton won his fourth consecutive start for Houston against Chicago.
Hampton (10-7) allowed two runs on nine hits in seven innings as Houston, the NL Central leader, won for the ninth time in 13 games.
Rockies 8, Reds 4
At Cincinnati, Ellis Burks' two-run single broke open a close game and helped Colorado snap a four-game losing streak by defeating Cincinnati.
Burks' single completed a three-run rally in the sixth that put the Rockies ahead 7-4. Vinny Castilla added four hits, including a two-run homer that was his 30th, and Larry Walker hit a solo homer, his 15th.
The Rockies won for only the fifth time in 19 games at Riverfront Stadium and improved their road record to 22-40.
Cardinals 6, Marlins 2
At St. Louis, Andy Benes struck out a season-high 10 batters in eight innings and doubled in two runs to win his 10th straight decision as St. Louis defeated Florida.
Benes (13-8), who also won 10 straight for San Diego in 1994-95, allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk.
Marlins starter Pat Rapp (6-13) allowed five runs on eight hits and three walks in six innings, falling to 0-4 lifetime against the Cardinals.
Marlins rookie Edgar Renteria extended his hitting streak to 22 games with a single, breaking the club record he held with Gregg Colbrunn.
Padres 15, Mets 10
At Monterrey, Mexico, Fernando Valenzuela won the first regular-season game outside of the United States and Canada as San Diego beat New York (see story on Page D1).
Giants 6, Phillies 4
At Philadelphia, Marvin Benard went 2-for-3, scored three runs and drove in a run as San Francisco handed Philadelphia its seventh loss in eight games.
William VanLandingham (7-13), who lost his previous four games, was the winner, holding the Phillies to four hits and three runs in 5 2-3 innings. Rod Beck allowed an RBI single to Ruben Amaro in the ninth, but got the last three outs for his 25th save.
Dodgers 8, Expos 2
At Los Angeles, Eric Karros hit a three-run homer two pitches after catcher Tim Spehr misplayed his foul pop.
Pedro Astacio (7-7) won his third straight decision, allowing two runs on nine hits and no walks in seven innings. The right-hander was aided by five double plays as he earned his first victory at Dodger Stadium since May 18 against Philadelphia.