Mordecai Single Breaks Streak

The Montreal Expos finally got a win at home.

Mike Mordecai drove in the winning run with a ninth-inning infield single off Juan Acevedo, and the Expos ended a seven-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals Friday night.

Montreal had lost the first six games of its 12-game homestand and had been 2-11 at home. Despite the presence of Mark McGwire, the Expos drew only 11,070--barely above their average of 11,013.

“We haven’t been playing bad baseball,” said Brad Fullmer, whose leadoff single off Acevedo (1-1) started the ninth-inning rally. “It’s good to finally get a win. Everybody’s struggled. You know that, but that doesn’t make you feel any better.”

Fullmer stole second and two outs later took third on Orlando Cabrera’s single. Mordecai’s hit sent the Cardinals to their first three-game losing streak.

Ugueth Urbina (2-2), Montreal’s fourth pitcher, gave up one run and two hits in two innings. Montreal starter Javier Vazquez gave up one run and four hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Expo right fielder Vladimir Guerrero dropped Placido Polanco’s first-inning fly ball for his major league-leading ninth error. His brother, second baseman Wilton Guerrero, made his seventh when he threw J.D. Drew’s grounder into the dirt at first in the fifth inning. Montreal leads the major leagues with 31 errors.

McGwire went 0 for 3 with three strikeouts and a walk, dropping his average to .239. He has five homers--all solo--and none since April 18.

Kent Bottenfield, who leads the NL with a 1.53 earned-run average, failed in his bid to become the first five-game winner in the major leagues. He gave up two runs--one earned--and four hits in six innings.

AROUND THE LEAGUE / Brantley Faces Shoulder Surgery

Philadelphia Phillie closer Jeff Brantley learned he needs surgery on his injured shoulder--the same type of injury that kept him out for most of the 1997 season.

Brantley had a dominant spring and started the season strong, recording four saves with a 2.84 ERA in seven games. He was out for 11 days with a sore shoulder, then returned to get a save Tuesday.

The following night, Brantley walked one batter, struck out another, then squatted behind the mound shaking his head in obvious pain and disappointment. He probably will sit out the rest of the season.

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Pat Meares’ first six games in the National League must have impressed the Pittsburgh Pirates--they signed him Friday to a four-year, $15-million contract extension. Meares reached terms only a week after returning from a three-week layoff because of an injured left wrist and 4 1/2 months after a contract impasse caused him to part ways with the Minnesota Twins.

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Mark Wohlers will make his first official appearance in the Reds’ organization when he travels to Toledo to pitch an inning or two Sunday for triple-A Indianapolis. Wohlers was acquired from the Atlanta Braves on April 16 for reliever John Hudek, after experiencing the inability to throw strikes.

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Milwaukee pitcher Valerio De Los Santos, who has not pitched since April 19, was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a lower-back strain.