National League Roundup : Streaking Walton Helps Cubs Beat Reds With 2-Run Single in Ninth, 3-2

Jerome Walton, who earlier extended his hitting streak to 27 games, singled home two runs in the ninth inning Thursday night at Cincinnati as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Reds, 3-2, to complete their first sweep at Riverfront Stadium since 1978.

Eric Davis’ two-run homer had given Cincinnati the lead in the eighth, but John Franco failed for only the fifth time in 30 save opportunities.

The first-place Cubs extended their lead in the National League East to 4 1/2 games over the New York Mets, who lost to San Diego.

Franco walked pinch-hitter Curtis Wilkerson with two out in the ninth; Shawon Dunston singled, and pinch-hitter Lloyd McClendon walked, loading the bases. Walton grounded Franco’s second pitch to left field, driving in the tying and go-ahead runs.

“I thought we had it wrapped up,” Cincinnati Manager Pete Rose said. “We’re ahead in the game, our defense is intact, we had the guy out there that we wanted. Everything was in place.”

Chicago’s Rick Sutcliffe (13-9) allowed five hits in eight innings, including Davis’ 26th homer. Mitch Williams pitched a one-hit ninth for his 31st save in 40 opportunities.

Walton’s bunt single in the first inning gave him the longest hitting streak in the majors this season.

San Diego 6, New York 2--Bruce Hurst pitched his league-leading eighth complete game to help the Padres salvage the final game of a three-game series in New York.

The Mets, who allowed four runs in the first inning, lost for only the second time in 10 games.

Hurst (12-9) gave up nine hits, struck out three and walked two in beating Frank Viola (1-2).

San Francisco 10, Montreal 5--Will Clark and Kevin Mitchell hit consecutive homers in a five-run sixth inning as the Giants won at Montreal and sent the Expos to their 12th loss in 15 games.

With the score tied, 5-5, San Francisco went ahead when Jose Uribe singled, took second on catcher Nelson Santovenia’s throwing error, moved to third on Brett Butler’s sacrifice (after pitcher Bob Knepper walked) and scored on second baseman Damaso Garcia’s fielding error.

One out later, Clark’s 19th homer scored Knepper and Butler. Mitchell followed with his major leagues-leading 39th home run.

Houston 5, Pittsburgh 3--Jim Deshaies scattered seven hits to beat the Pirates for the fourth straight time in the Astrodome.

Deshaies (11-6) won for the first time in his last five starts, striking out six and walking none. It was his first complete game since May 12.

Jeff Robinson fell to 1-7 against Houston. Robinson (5-11) gave up eight hits and four runs in five innings. He has allowed 37 earned runs in 55 1/3 innings against Houston, a 6.02 earned-run average.