National League Roundup : Sutcliffe Completes Cubs’ Sweep

The Chicago Cubs completed their first three-game sweep in Pittsburgh since 1957, beating the Pirates, 8-0, Thursday night on Rick Sutcliffe’s five-hitter.

Chicago earned its fifth consecutive victory, all on the road, and extended Pittsburgh’s scoreless streak to 23 innings.

Sutcliffe (9-4), walked one, struck out four and retired 14 consecutive batters until Dann Bilardello singled to start the sixth. Randy Kramer (1-4), was the losing pitcher.

The Cubs had not won a three-game series in Pittsburgh since the Pirates played at Forbes Field. Chicago had never swept a series longer than two games in Three Rivers Stadium.

Chicago is 6-0 against Pittsburgh this season. The Cubs have won 19 of their last 28 road games. Chicago’s road winning streak is its longest since 1979.

Philadelphia 11, St. Louis 2--Rookie Dennis Cook, in his first start since being traded from San Francisco, scattered three hits for seven innings, and newly acquired Lenny Dykstra hit a two-run homer to lead the Phillies past the Cardinals at Philadelphia.

Cook (2-0), dealt away by the Giants last Sunday, struck out four and walked three.

Jose DeLeon (8-6) was the loser.

“I think I have a great opportunity here,” Cook said. “All I can ask for is a chance to pitch.”

Phillie Manager Nick Leyva focused on Cook’s contribution to the faltering pitching staff.

“He had real good stuff and he’s around the plate with everything,” Leyva said. “Even when he’s 2-0, he has a good chance of throwing a strike.”

In his three games since being traded by the New York Mets, Dykstra is six for 13 with two doubles, a homer and six runs scored.