No-hit bid by Milton ends in 9th
Eric Milton pitched eight hitless innings before Michael Barrett blooped a double just in front of center fielder Doug Glanville, and the Phillies beat the Chicago Cubs, 3-2, yesterday on Pat Burrell's run-scoring single in the ninth.
Philadelphia led, 2-0, when Barrett was jammed by an 0-1 fastball leading off the ninth, Milton's 98th pitch of the game. Glanville, who had replaced Ricky Ledee in the eighth, at first broke back on the ball, then charged in and just missed an attempt for a diving catch.
Milton then struck out pinch hitters Jose Macias and Alex Gonzalez, giving him a season-high 12 strikeouts, but Mike Grudzielanek singled and Corey Patterson doubled off the wall in left-center, tying the score and chasing Milton.
Ryan Madson (7-2) relieved and retired Sammy Sosa on a grounder.
Rockies 3, Diamondbacks 2 -- Randy Johnson struck out a season-high 14 in what could be his final start for Arizona, but Mike Sweeney's two-run double lifted visiting Colorado to victory and extended the Diamondbacks' team-record losing streak to 14 games. Arizona has had preliminary talks with teams about possible trades for Johnson, who is making $16 million this year and is due $16 million in 2005. Johnson allowed six hits and walked none in eight innings, allowing just three batters to reach second base and leaving with a 1-0 lead.
Braves 4, Mets 3 -- Errors by New York rookies David Wright and Kaz Matsui led to three unearned runs, and Mike Hampton pitched six strong innings, pacing Atlanta at Shea Stadium. J.D. Drew hit his 24th homer for the Braves, who have taken over first place in the East with 12 wins in their last 16 games.
Expos 6, Marlins 4 -- Livan Hernandez (7-10) pitched six hitless innings and came within two outs of his second straight complete game, leading host Montreal past Florida.
Astros 9, Brewers 1 -- Pete Munro pitched seven shutout innings, and Mike Lamb drove in three runs with a pair of doubles, spurring host Houston.
Cardinals 6, Giants 0 -- Matt Morris (11-6) pitched a seven-hitter for his seventh career shutout, powering St. Louis past visiting San Francisco.
Pirates 6, Reds 5 -- Pinch hitter Rob Mackowiak drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI double in the fifth, helping Pittsburgh come from behind and complete a three-game sweep of visiting Cincinnati.
Padres 3, Dodgers 0 -- Adam Eaton (6-8) allowed one hit in seven innings, Phil Nevin and Brian Giles homered, and San Diego beat host Los Angeles to avert a three-game sweep.
