Neagle Looking Even Better to the Braves

One of Denny Neagle’s best games for the Pittsburgh Pirates might have been his last.

Neagle defeated one of the teams that are trying to trade for him, outpitching Atlanta’s 20-game winner John Smoltz in the Pirates’ 3-2 victory over the Braves on Tuesday at Pittsburgh.

Neagle (14-6), the subject of ongoing trade talks, survived solo homers by Jermaine Dye and Andruw Jones to pitch six-hit ball in eight innings.

Pittsburgh general manager Cam Bonifay held a clubhouse meeting before the game to spell out plans by owner Kevin McClatchy to restructure the roster and cut the payroll. Neagle could be traded today, with the Braves among the interested.

“If it was my last night in a Pirates uniform, it was special,” Neagle said. “I know they’re looking at me, but there were some other [teams] in the stands, too. I’ve heard so many rumors. But it’s not my decision or my call.”

Neagle won his second consecutive start after going winless for a month, striking out six and walking one. Dan Plesac pitched the ninth for his ninth save.

San Diego 4, New York 3--Steve Finley’s three-run homer highlighted a four-run eighth inning that spoiled Bobby Valentine’s managerial debut for the Mets at New York.

Bobby Jones gave up one run and six hits in 7 1/3 innings, but was removed by Valentine after giving up two singles in the eighth. Reliever Dave Mlicki (5-6) then gave up a single and Finley’s game-winning homer.

Willie Blair (2-6) pitched two innings, and Trevor Hoffman pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth and finished for his 31st save.

Florida 6, St. Louis 3--Gary Sheffield, benched in the Marlins’ last game for disciplinary reasons, had two hits and two runs batted in their victory over the Cardinals at St. Louis.

Sheffield had a two-run double and scored in the first inning. He singled, stole second and scored again in the third to help Florida win its fourth consecutive game.

Philadelphia 3, San Francisco 2--Mike Williams, helped by three double plays, gave up seven hits over 7 2/3 innings as the Phillies ended a three-game losing streak with a victory over the Giants at San Francisco.

Williams (5-12), who broke a personal three-game losing streak, walked two and struck out five.

Houston 6, Chicago 5--Tony Eusebio tied his career high with four RBIs, including a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, to lead the Astros at Houston.

The Astros, who trailed, 5-0, after three innings, moved 1 1/2 games ahead of St. Louis in the Central Division.

Cincinnati 4, Colorado 3--Eric Davis hit a three-run home run and Hal Morris added a solo homer to help John Smiley win his first road game in two months.

Smiley (12-10) gave up six hits in 7 2/3 innings to help the Reds end a four-game losing streak. Smiley struck out nine, including seven in a row during one stretch.