NATIONAL LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Sanders Ends His Baseball Season With a Bang

The Atlanta Braves reluctantly sent Deion Sanders back to the NFL.

Sanders, who says he will take a few unauthorized days off before reporting to the Atlanta Falcons, hit a three-run home run Wednesday night at Atlanta to spark the Braves to another comeback.

The Braves, trailing the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-2, scored six runs in the fifth inning on home runs by Sanders and Jeff Blauser to win, 8-6, and sweep the four-game series.

Atlanta, which overcame a 3-0 deficit Tuesday night, finished the season 9-3 against the Pirates.

Sanders started in center field because Ron Gant dropped his appeal and served a one-game suspension for bumping umpire Gary Darling on July 4.

It was the fourth home run for Sanders, who was batting .196. But the Braves believe Sanders has a future in baseball. Sanders, then with the Yankees, also homered in his last game in 1990.

Despite their record against the Braves, the Pirates (60-39) have the best record in the majors.

Cincinnati 5, Chicago 1--Chris Hammond became the Reds’ fifth pitcher to be put on the disabled list, but one of them, Jose Rijo, has recovered.

Rijo, in his second start since returning from the disabled list, gave up six hits and a run in seven innings.

He also singled in two runs in the second inning to put the Reds ahead to stay.

Rijo (7-2) said the ankle in which he chipped a bone June 20 was still sore, though Manager Lou Piniella said he thought Rijo pitched well despite the pain.

Houston 9, St. Louis 5--The Astros are scoring runs and winning.

Ken Caminiti hit a two-run double to spark a four-run first inning at Houston as Houston won its fourth game in a row.

Philadelphia 9, San Diego 3--Rookie Wes Chamberlain hit two three-run home runs at Philadelphia and went four for four to lead the Phillies to their second victory in a row.