National League Roundup : Palmeiro, Now Batting .356, Helps Cubs Defeat Slumping Astros, 14-7

Rafael Palmeiro is hoping that sometime soon, people will stop comparing him to former Mississippi State teammate Will Clark.

Clark, the San Francisco Giants’ first baseman, broke in with a bang in 1986 and has had two big seasons.

Palmeiro, after an auspicious start late in 1986 when he homered off Dwight Gooden, had a few problems in 1987.

But while Clark is struggling in his third season, Palmeiro, the left fielder for the Chicago Cubs, is beginning to live up to expectations.

After hitting two home runs to pace the Cubs’ 19-hit attack in a 14-7 victory over the slumping Houston Astros Saturday at Wrigley Field, Palmeiro is leading the National League with a .356 average. Clark is more than 100 points behind.

Palmeiro’s first homer was off Mike Scott, who yielded nine runs and six hits and lost for the first time in seven decisions. It was Houston’s fourth straight loss.

Calvin Schiraldi (3-2) benefitted from the Cubs’ best offensive display of the season. He pitched 5 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs in his first outing since coming off the disabled list.

Palmeiro, who batted .276 and hit 14 home runs in 84 games after coming up in midseason in 1987, is a little perturbed at the comparison with Clark.

“He (Clark) got here first and proved himself,” Palmeiro said. “This year it was my job to prove I belonged up here. I think I’m proving it right now. I wasn’t concerned because I knew I could hit.”

Cub Manager Don Zimmer wasn’t too sure. He began the season by platooning Palmeiro and Jerry Mumphrey in left. Palmeiro’s consistent hitting put an end to the platooning.

Scott, who won his first six decisions and had not lost to the Cubs since 1984, retired the first two batters in the first inning, then gave up five runs and six hits. Shawon Dunston had the key hit, a two-run triple.

Philadelphia 4, San Francisco 3--After hitting a home run with two out in the 10th inning at Philadelphia to give the Phillies their second win in a row, Von Hayes is hoping the club’s fortunes are about to turn.

“We’ve had some tough times, that’s for sure,” Hayes said. “It’s time for good times. Today was fun.”

Dave Dravecky, just off the disabled list, gave up only two hits in five innings, but Giant relievers failed to protect a 3-1 lead.

New York 5, San Diego 1--David Cone spoiled Jack McKeon’s debut as Padre manager, breezing to his seventh win in a row without a defeat.

McKeon, the general manager, replaced Larry Bowa, who was fired earlier in the day.

Cone, in winning his fifth consecutive start in this game at New York, gave up a run in the first inning, then was in charge until he faltered in the ninth. Roger McDowell got the last two outs.

Darryl Strawberry and Kevin McReynolds provided most of the offense for the Mets. Strawberry had a double and single and scored the first two runs. McReynolds also had a double and single. He drove in two runs and scored another.

With Atlanta winning, the Padres fell into last place in the West.

Atlanta 2, St. Louis 1--The Braves are doing better under Manager Russ Nixon. Rick Mahler, with help from Bruce Sutter, won his sixth in a row in this game at Atlanta. Nixon is 3-2 since replacing Chuck Tanner.

Sutter pitched two scoreless innings to register his seventh save.

It was a tough loss for Cardinal pitcher John Tudor. He went the distance, giving up only four hits and one earned run.

Pittsburgh 5, Cincinnati 2--Barry Bonds homered for the deciding run, and Bobby Bonilla drove in a run and scored another at Cincinnati.

Bob Walk (5-3) and two relievers held the Reds to five hits. Walk walked in one run, and his balk set up the other.