Clement Helps Cubs Get Key 4-1 Victory

The thought of the playoffs is enough to make even the worst of the Chicago Cubs’ aches and pains go away.

Matt Clement was dazzling despite pitching with a strained groin, matching his career high with his 13th victory Monday night as the Cubs gained ground in the NL Central with a 4-1 victory over the New York Mets at Chicago.

The victory pulled Chicago within 1 1/2 games of first-place Houston, which was idle.

“That was an outstanding performance by Matt,” Cub Manager Dusty Baker said. “This time of year, you’ve got to put pain out of your mind if you can without threatening serious injury to yourself.”

Clement (13-11) has been bothered by a strained groin since his Sept. 3 start. He had to leave his previous start in the sixth inning despite having a no-hit bid and a 4-0 lead.

The Cubs announced before the game that they will retire Ron Santo’s No. 10. Billy Williams and Ernie Banks are the only other Cubs to have their numbers retired.

San Francisco 8, San Diego 7 -- Barry Bonds hit his 655th home run and also reached a milestone in walks at San Francisco.

Bonds connected for a solo shot off Brian Lawrence in the first inning for his 42nd homer. The slugger is five shy of tying his godfather, Willie Mays, for third on the career list at 660.

In the bottom of the sixth, Bonds was intentionally walked by Brandon Villafuerte to load the bases. It was Bonds’ 2,063rd walk, breaking a tie with Ruth for second on the career list. Rickey Henderson of the Dodgers leads with 2,190.

St. Louis 11, Milwaukee 2 -- Brett Tomko gave up six hits over eight innings and drove in three runs at St. Louis.

Tomko went two for four, including a two-run single in the second and an RBI single in the third, as the Cardinals moved within five games of idle Houston in the NL Central.

Atlanta 10, Montreal 6 -- Robert Fick hit his first home run in six weeks as the Braves reduced their magic number for clinching a record 12th straight division title to three at Montreal.

Pittsburgh 6, Cincinnati 3 -- Matt Stairs hit a three-run homer at Pittsburgh in support of Ryan Vogelsong’s first major league victory.