Deepest Drive Falls Just Short for McGwire

Jason Christiansen barely avoided being forever known as the pitcher who gave up homers 63 and 64 to Mark McGwire.

McGwire, who hit homer No. 63 off Christiansen on Tuesday, hit a fly out to the warning track in left against the Pittsburgh reliever Wednesday night as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pirates, 4-0.

The way Christiansen saw it, there was never a doubt the ball would end up in Turner Ward’s glove instead of the stands.

“I thought if that one went out, I was walking off the field,” Christiansen said. “I didn’t think there was any way it was going out.”

Christiansen has given up only two home runs in 63 2/3 innings.

“If he had gotten more of the plate, he would have hit it out,” Manager Tony La Russa said. “You can see why Christiansen doesn’t give very many up, or hardly any at all.”

Two pitchers have given up two homers to McGwire in his record-breaking season. Jeff Suppan of Arizona surrendered Nos. 5 and 6 on April 14, and Tyler Green of Philadelphia gave up two May 19.

Christiansen got an autographed ball from McGwire after giving up No. 63 on Tuesday, a pinch-hit shot in the ninth inning that ended a six-game, 18 at-bat homerless drought. He was looking forward to getting another chance at the home run king.

“I came right after him, all fastballs, no off-speed pitches,” Christiansen said.

This time, McGwire hit a high fly ball that fell short for the final out in the seventh, stranding two runners. Pirate Manager Gene Lamont was happy to be done with McGwire for the year.

“We like to play before a lot of people,” Lamont said. “But it’s probably better to watch it on TV.”

McGwire was 0 for 3 with a walk, his 155th of the season. He needs 15 walks in the final nine games to tie Babe Ruth’s 1923 major league record.