Giants Win on Sanders’ Single

Reggie Sanders singled home the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the San Francisco Giants a 1-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Friday night at Pac Bell Park.

After starters Kirk Rueter and Miguel Batista dueled through scoreless innings most of the night, the Giants finally broke through against Mike Fetters (3-1).

Rich Aurilia led off the ninth with a double to left--the only extra-base hit of the game. After Jeff Kent grounded to third and Barry Bonds drew his major league record 54th intentional walk this season, Sanders lined a single to right to beat his former teammates.

San Francisco remained three games behind the Dodgers in the National League wild-card race.

Giant Manager Dusty Baker won his 824th game with the team, passing Bill Terry for second place on the franchise list.

Felix Rodriguez (6-6) got one out in the ninth for the victory.

Though San Francisco’s offense couldn’t get him a victory, Rueter confounded the Diamondbacks for the fourth time this season. He threw eight strong innings to extend his scoreless streak against Arizona to 23 innings.

Rueter gave up a leadoff single to Quinton McCracken before retiring the next 12 hitters. He pitched out of jams in the seventh and eighth innings, and left to a standing ovation after giving up three hits and two walks. Rueter struck out four.

But Rueter was matched for seven innings by Batista. Batista retired 12 of his first 14 hitters, yielding just four hits and two walks without allowing a runner past second base.

Atlanta 5, Montreal 0--Kevin Millwood pitched a three-hitter and hit a two-run double to win his seventh consecutive decision as the Braves reduced their magic number to four with a victory at Atlanta.

The Braves, seeking their 11th consecutive division title, have a 19 1/2-game lead over Philadelphia in the NL East. With 21 games remaining, their 89 wins surpass their total from last season.

Millwood (16-6) is 14-1 in 21 starts since May 24, and the Braves won five of those six no-decisions. The right-hander gave up only three singles and never allowed a runner past second base.

New York 7, Philadelphia 2--Jeromy Burnitz hit a three-run homer, Timo Perez had three RBIs and Al Leiter pitched seven solid innings to lead the Mets at Philadelphia. The Mets have won four straight since losing five in a row and 17 of 20.

Burnitz, who has struggled the entire season, gave New York a 4-2 lead during a five-run sixth inning with his second homer in two games.

Colorado 7, San Diego 3--Juan Uribe hit a three-run homer, rookie Aaron Cook pitched seven strong innings and the Rockies won at Denver in front of 26,243 at Coors Field, a franchise low. Uribe’s homer capped a four-run fourth inning, giving the Rockies a 5-0 lead.

Pittsburgh 11, Florida 0--Jack Wilson hit a three-run homer and had a career-high four RBIs as the Pirates won at Pittsburgh. Kevin Young hit a two-run homer and Kris Benson (7-6) combined with four relievers on a nine-hitter, Pittsburgh’s seventh shutout of the season.

Cincinnati 5, Milwaukee 3--Barry Larkin singled in the go-ahead run in the 12th inning and the Reds stayed unbeaten at Miller Park this season with a victory at Milwaukee.