NATIONAL LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Justice Homers Again, Braves Prevail, 8-1

Rookie Dave Justice continued his home run assault with his ninth in 10 games, and Tony Castillo allowed one hit over five innings in his second start to lead the Atlanta Braves past the the Pittsburgh Pirates, 8-1, Wednesday night at Pittsburgh.

The Pirates, who have lost six of their last eight games, remained half a game ahead of New York in the National League East, as the Mets lost to the Dodgers, 3-2.

“I’m not hitting any Jose Canseco or Mark McGwire shots, they’re just going over the fence,” said Justice, who’s hitting .429 against Pittsburgh.

“I’m not trying to hit it out of the park, but a few have been going out. I am trying to be consistent and hit line drives.”

Pirate starter Neal Heaton (10-8), winless since June 24, lost his sixth decision in a row, allowing three runs and seven hits in six-plus innings.

Francisco Cabrera broke a 1-1 tie with his fourth homer in the sixth inning.

Cincinnati 3, St. Louis 1--Herm Winningham’s third triple of the game, tying an NL record, broke a 12th-inning tie to lead the Reds at St Louis.

Winningham, who had only seven at-bats in the Reds’ previous 23 games, hadn’t started since July 22 and had one hit since then. But Red Manager Lou Piniella promised he’ll get a lot more playing time.

“This is the time of year you play a hot hand,” Piniella said. “He kept himself ready. He was one of those players that always took extra batting practice.”

Said Winningham: “I don’t complain, I just try to make something happen.”

During his exile on the bench, Winningham also tried hitting off a tee. “You try to stay sharp the best way you know how,” Winningham said. “There’s nothing like a game situation, but guys who are role players, that’s how we do it.”

Winningham also doubled, scored twice and went four for six as the Reds won their fourth in a row.

Winningham is the second player to have three triples in a game this season. Shawon Dunston of the Chicago Cubs had three triples on July 28 at Montreal.

Pinch-hitter Glenn Braggs singled with two out in the 12th and scored on Winningham’s drive to center off reliever Tom Niedenfuer (0-6).

Rob Dibble (5-3) gave up three hits in two innings for the victory and Tim Layana worked the 12th for his second save.

Houston 8, Chicago 4--Craig Biggio tripled and scored the tying run in the ninth inning, then singled in the game-winner in the 10th, to lead the Astros at Chicago.

The Astro’s Ken Caminiti started the 10th inning with a triple to right field off Jeff Pico (4-3). Franklin Stubbs walked and Biggio’s single, his fourth hit of the game, gave the Astros a 5-4 lead.

Dave Smith (3-4) pitched the final two innings for Houston.

Mark Grace was four for five with two doubles and three runs batted in for Chicago.