NATIONAL LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Coleman Helps Torre Enjoy First Night Back

On his first night back, Joe Torre felt the tension.

“I was really nervous before the game,” he said. “It’s great being back but I’m still a little numb.”

Vince Coleman’s three-run double in the sixth inning led St. Louis past the Phillies, 4-3, Thursday night in Philadelphia as Torre returned to the dugout after a six-year absence.

Torre was hired Wednesday to succeed Whitey Herzog, who quit on July 6. Torre hadn’t managed since 1984, his final season with the Atlanta Braves.

“It’s a period of adjustment for me and the team,” Torre said. “I’m relying a lot on my coaches. We’ll just take it nice and slow.”

Bob Tewksbury (6-3) allowed two runs and eight hits in five innings, and Lee Smith pitched two innings for his 18th save in 20 opportunities.

Cardinal center fielder Willie McGee went zero for three with two walks, ending his 22-game hitting streak.

Phillies starter Jose DeJesus (2-3) gave up one hit in the first five innings, but singles by Todd Zeile, Milt Thompson and Jose Oquendo loaded the bases with one out in the sixth.

Reliever Dennis Cook struck out pinch-hitter Rex Hudler before Coleman lined his double to center.

Phillies Manager Nick Leyva thought Cook’s pitch was right down the middle.

“He didn’t miss the mistake,” Leyva said. “It was up and right over the plate.”

Leyva said he took out DeJesus in the sixth because the rookie was tiring. DeJesus had a one-hitter entering the inning but had walked five in the game.

“He threw 110 pitches,” Leyva said. “It was a very long night.”