NATIONAL LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Little Swing Aids Pirates; Big One Hurts Bonds

A serious back problem has forced Andy Van Slyke to make some changes. The Gold Glove center fielder of the Pittsburgh Pirates can no longer make spectacular catches diving for balls or crashing into fences.

Three degenerative disks have also forced Van Slyke to cut down on his swing--which has been a blessing in disguise for the Pirates.

After getting two singles and scoring two runs earlier, Van Slyke hit a sacrifice fly during the ninth inning Sunday at New York to give the Pirates a 5-4 victory over the Mets that completed a three-game sweep.

Van Slyke’s new swing has helped him bat .347.

But Barry Bonds, the Pirates’ other hitting star, suffered a muscle injury in his right side taking a big swing during the ninth inning.

Bonds twisted to the ground in pain and stayed down for several minutes before being helped to the clubhouse. X-rays taken at Ohio Valley Hospital in suburban Pittsburgh were negative, team spokesman Jim Trdinich said.

It was the fifth victory in a row for the Pirates and their 10th in 12 games. The Mets lost their fourth in a row and 12th in 16. They trail the first-place Pirates by seven games in the National League East.

Houston 15, San Francisco 7--The Astros went into this game at Houston having scored the fewest runs and with the worst batting average (.225) in the majors.

But Pete Incaviglia hit two home runs and a double and drove in a career-high seven runs to lead the Astros.

Incaviglia, who had only two home runs in 50 games, hit a three-run home run during a six-run third inning and the Astros routed Dave Righetti with three more runs during the fourth.

Chicago 5, Montreal 1--Danny Jackson gave up one run in seven innings at Chicago and the Cubs won their fourth in a row.

Although it was only Jackson’s third victory in 28 starts for the Cubs, it was his second in his last three starts.

Derrick May hit a two-run double during a four-run third inning.

Atlanta 4, San Diego 2--Charlie Leibrandt (6-2) had a shutout until the ninth, but failed to get the last out for the complete game at Atlanta as the Braves completed a three-game sweep.

Ron Gant and Jeff Blauser hit home runs as the Braves moved into second place in the West.

St. Louis 5, Philadelphia 2--Rheal Cormier won his first game after five defeats and Tom Pagnozzi drove in two runs at St. Louis for the Cardinals.

Ozzie Smith started two double plays to reach 1,304 and break Roy McMillan’s record for a shortstop.