Pirates, Cordova Win Again

Kevin Elster and Al Martin awakened Pittsburgh’s offense with sixth-inning homers, and the Pirates rallied past the Colorado Rockies for the second night in a row, winning, 4-3, on Thursday at Pittsburgh.

Francisco Cordova (3-3) settled down after giving up two unearned runs in the first and another run in the second, outdueling Roger Bailey (4-3) in a matchup of two of six NL starters with earned-run averages under 2.00.

Cordova, the Pirates’ closer at this time a year ago, has given up only two earned runs over 25 innings in his last three starts. He lasted eight innings, giving up nine hits and striking out five.

Chicago 8, San Diego 2--Frank Castillo pitched seven strong innings for his first victory in three weeks and the Cubs hit four triples--three in the same inning--to defeat the Padres at Chicago.

With a game-time temperature of only 45 degrees and winds whipping up to 25 mph from the northwest, Castillo (2-5) gave up only three hits, including Wally Joyner’s second homer. He struck out eight and walked three in his first victory since April 21.

Leading, 3-2, the Cubs scored four runs in the seventh off Tim Scott as Brian McRae, Doug Glanville and Sammy Sosa tripled.