BASEBALL ROUNDUP : One Giant Run Is All Burkett Needs While Beating Pirates

John Burkett didn’t get the usual support from the San Francisco Giants, but he didn’t need it.

Burkett, backed by 48 runs in his first eight starts, yielded two hits in seven innings and beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 1-0, Thursday at San Francisco for his fourth consecutive victory.

The Giants swept the three-game series from the Pirates, who have lost six games in a row.

Burkett (4-1), who struck out four and walked none, gave up singles to Andy Van Slyke in the first and fourth innings.

Mike Jackson retired all six batters he faced for his second save.

The Giants scored in the seventh when Kevin Bass doubled, took third on a bunt single by Jim McNamara and came home on a wild pitch by Bob Walk (1-3).

Kansas City 7, Texas 5--Nolan Ryan gave up one-hit in seven innings, but the Rangers’ bullpen let him down again at Arlington, Tex.

The Royals rallied on Terry Shumpert’s three-run homer off Kenny Rogers in the eighth and Mike Macfarlane’s three-run shot off Jeff Russell in the ninth.

Kevin Reimer hit two homers as Texas built a 5-1 lead.

New York 8, San Diego 3--Bobby Bonilla and Eddie Murray hit homers and Sid Fernandez (3-4) struck out 10 in seven innings as the Mets won at San Diego.

Benito Santiago, Gary Sheffield and Darrin Jackson hit solo homers for the Padres.

Milwaukee 7, Detroit 3--The Brewers hit four home runs, including two by Paul Molitor, to beat the Tigers at Detroit.