BASEBALL ROUNDUP : Mets Have Nothing Left, Pirates’ Lead Now 3 1/2

The Pittsburgh Pirates started another left-hander against the struggling New York Mets Thursday night and the results were predictable.

Rookie Randy Tomlin pitched a three-hitter for his first complete game to lead the Pirates to a 7-1 victory at Pittsburgh that gave the Pirates their first four-game sweep over the Mets in 12 years and completed a remarkable three-day turnaround in the National League East.

The Pirates, who trailed the Mets by a half-game entering Tuesday night’s game, have picked up four games in the standings in three days.

“It’s nice. We’re going to enjoy it for one night, but this series is over with and the race isn’t,” said Pirates Manager Jim Leyland, whose team holds a 3 1/2-game lead over the Mets.

The Pirates increased their winning streak to six games, matching their season high. The Mets’ four-game losing streak, all against left-handers, also ties their longest of the season.

Bobby Bonilla had two hits and drove in two runs, giving him a career-high 101 runs batted in, as the Pirates knocked out rookie starter Julio Valera (1-1) with five consecutive hits in the third inning to take a 5-0 lead.

Tomlin (2-2) gave up a run-scoring single to Howard Johnson in the fifth. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

Texas 12, Kansas City 1--Bobby Witt set a club record with his 12th consecutive victory and Ruben Sierra hit his first grand slam at Arlington, Tex.

Witt (15-8) broke Ferguson Jenkins’ record for consecutive victories, allowing three hits and striking out eight in seven innings. He is 12-0 in his last 14 starts.

Sierra hit his 444-foot shot into the right-field seats in the first inning off Chris Cordiroli (0-1). Julio Franco also homered for the Rangers.

St. Louis 4, Montreal 2--Rookie Ray Lankford and Felix Jose hit home runs at St. Louis to lead the Cardinals.

Lankford’s homer was the first of his career and came in the first inning off Mark Gardner (7-9). Jose, acquired from Oakland last week for Willie McGee, hit his ninth homer, a solo shot in the third.

Ken Dayley (4-2) worked three innings in relief for the victory and Lee Smith got his 24th save.

San Diego 3, Houston 0--Bip Roberts hit a three-run homer off Juan Agosto in the 10th inning at San Diego to give the Padres the victory.

Bruce Hurst gave up four hits and struck out a season-high nine in eight innings. Greg Harris (8-7) pitched two innings for the victory.

Chicago 5, Philadelphia 2--The Cubs took advantage of five walks and a two-run single by Jerome Walton for a four-run sixth inning at Philadelphia.

Jose Nunez (2-6) pitched 6 2/3 innings for the win. Mitch Williams finished for his 14th save.

Jason Grimsley (1-1) took the loss.

Cleveland 6, Detroit 0--Candy Maldonado hit his 19th homer and drove in five runs in a rain-shortened, five-inning game at Detroit.

Tom Candiotti (14-10) got the win, allowing seven hits in five innings. Randy Nosek (1-1) took the loss.