National League Roundup : Van Slyke Keeps the Pirates Rolling Along, 4-2

Andy Van Slyke, whose play in center field and timely hitting have played a prominent part in the Pirates’ 13-4 start, credits the fast finish in 1987 for the fast beginning in 1988.

“I don’t think we’d be playing this well if we hadn’t done what we did at the end of last season,” Van Slyke said after hitting his third home run in the Pirates’ 4-2 victory over Chicago at Pittsburgh.

Bob Walk (3-1) and two relievers held the slumping Cubs to eight hits, and the Pirates beat them for the fifth time in six games this season.

Darnell Coles’ single, following a Sid Bream pop-fly double, broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth inning and Rafael Belliard followed with a run-scoring triple.