NATIONAL LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Slow and Steady Wins for Swift, Rockies

Colorado starter Bill Swift proved Saturday that pitching velocity doesn’t matter nearly as much as pitching location in games played at Coors Field.

In his first start since July 27, Swift gave up one run in five innings as the Rockies defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 6-2.

Swift (7-2), who was on the disabled list because of shoulder stiffness, extended his winning streak to six games by giving up six hits, striking out one and walking one.

Kevin Ritz pitched the final four innings for his first major league save.

Offensively for the Rockies, Andres Galarraga drove in two runs with his second homer in as many days and Vinny Castilla added two RBIs.

Philadelphia 6, Houston 4--Mark Whiten hit a two-run homer with two out in the bottom of the 11th inning to lift the Phillies to victory at Philadelphia.

Mickey Morandini was hit by a pitch by Mike Henneman (0-1), the sixth Houston pitcher, leading off the 11th. Andy Van Slyke struck out and Gregg Jefferies hit into a fielder’s choice. Whiten then homered on a 3-2 pitch.

Heathcliff Slocumb (5-6), the fifth Phillie pitcher, worked a scoreless 11th for the victory.

Atlanta 9, Florida 5--Fred McGriff hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning and the Braves rallied to beat the Marlins at Miami, reducing their magic number to three to clinch their third division title since 1991.

Rookie Brad Clontz (8-1), who went 1 2/3 innings, was the winner and Mark Wohlers got the last out for his 23rd save as the Braves won for the 24th time this season in their final at-bat.

San Francisco 8, Chicago 3--Matt Williams hit a first-inning grand slam into the wind and Deion Sanders celebrated his new football contract with three hits at Chicago.

It was Williams’ 18th home run and first grand slam since July 17, 1990.

Despite the distraction of Sanders’ dealings with the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants won for the eighth time in 11 games to climb back into the wild-card picture.

New York 6, Montreal 5--Ryan Thompson homered and drove in three runs as the Mets won at Montreal.

Met starter Dave Mlicki gave up four runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings. Paul Byrd (2-0) gave up one hit and struck out three over 2 2/3 innings. John Franco gave up a run in the ninth before earning his 22nd save.

St. Louis 7, San Diego 5--John Mabry hit a two-run double in the eighth inning as the Cardinals wasted a four-run lead but came back for the victory at St. Louis.

Reliever Jeff Parrett (4-6), who gave up Cianfrocco’s homer, got the win. Tom Henke pitched a scoreless ninth for his 33rd save.