BASEBALL ROUNDUP : Double by Lemke Gives Braves Something Extra

Mark Lemke’s two-out, run-scoring double in 10th inning ended the Pittsburgh’s streak of extra-inning victories as the Atlanta Braves beat the Pirates, 5-4, Monday night at Pittsburgh.

It was the Braves’ third victory in the four-game series between NL division leaders.

“I like to be in there, I feel relaxed in those situations,” Lemke said. “I don’t feel any pressure. You really shouldn’t . . . there can’t be any more pressure than there is in the World Series. You try to block it all out and let your ability take over.”

The Pirates, who lost the season series to Atlanta, 7-5, won four consecutive extra-inning games and five of their last six. Losing pitcher Bob Patterson (5-2) has won four times in extra innings this season and 12 times among his 17 major league victories.

Marvin Freeman (5-4) pitched the ninth for the victory. Alejandro Pena finished for his 15th save.

The Braves increased their lead to five games over second-place Cincinnati in the NL West. The Pirates’ lead over idle Montreal dropped to two games.

Kansas City 6, Detroit 5--Mike Macfarlane drove in three runs with two doubles and his third homer in three games to lead the Royals at Kansas City.

Rusty Meacham (7-3), the third Royals’ reliever, got the victory. Jeff Montgomery pitched the ninth for his 30th save.

Chicago 4, New York 3--Greg Hibbard gave up four hits in eight innings and the White Sox scored two unearned runs during the fifth inning at Chicago.

Hibbard (8-5) earned his first victory since July 5.