Major League Baseball Roundup : Dernier’s Ninth-Inning Homer Gives Cubs 8-7 Win Over Reds

Bob Dernier hit a two-out home run to center field in the ninth inning Thursday to lift the Chicago Cubs to an 8-7 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Chicago.

The victory kept the Cubs in a virtual tie with the St. Louis Cardinals for the National League East lead.

“I can’t remember the last time I hit one to center, maybe in Triple A,” Dernier said. “With two outs and the wind blowing out, of course you’re thinking home run.”

The homer was the first run allowed by Franco (1-1) after 13 straight shutout appearances.

Lee Smith (1-2) got the victory despite allowing a two-run double in the ninth to Eric Davis.

Seven home runs were hit, four by the Cubs, who also got home runs from Shawon Dunston, Ryne Sandberg and Jerry Mumphrey. Tracy Jones, Bo Diaz and Davis homered for the Reds. Davis hit his 16th, tops in the majors, an estimated 470 feet with two on in the third. ST. Louis 7, Atlanta 2--Terry Pendleton extended his hitting streak to 15 games with a two-run double in the third inning and pitcher Bob Forsch also had a two-run double, powering the Cardinals past the Braves at Atlanta.