Major League Baseball Roundup : Snyder Hits 3 Homers, Blyleven Allows 4 as Indians Win, 6-3

Cory Snyder hit three of Cleveland’s five solo home runs and left-hander Greg Swindell pitched a nine-hitter Thursday night as the Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins, 6-3, at Cleveland.

Snyder hit homers off Bert Blyleven (3-4) in the second and fourth innings and connected off Mark Portugal in the eighth. Snyder has nine homers this season.

“I came into the game with seven hits in my last 70 (at-bats),” Snyder said. “It’s the worst slump I’ve ever had in my life.

“But (teammate) Steve Carlton has really helped me get a clearer mental picture of myself. Steve told me to imagine myself hitting well. He said that would help me think more positively.” Blyleven also gave up homers to Tony Bernazard in the fourth and Mel Hall in the fifth. Blyleven has allowed 19 home runs and is on a pace to break the major league record of 50 he set last season.

Swindell (3-3) struck out seven.

Chicago 8, Cincinnati 7--Bob Dernier hit a tie-breaking, two-out home run in the ninth inning to lift the Cubs to victory at Chicago.

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

Lee Smith (1-2) got the victory despite allowing a two-run double in the ninth to Eric Davis. Davis also hit his 16th homer, a three-run shot, and drove in five runs.

Shawon Dunston, Ryne Sandberg and Jerry Mumphrey also homered for the Cubs, as did Tracy Jones and Bo Diaz for the Reds.

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.