Gooden Won’t Return This Year
National League
Dwight Gooden, who has said he would like to join the New York Yankees after his drug suspension ends, will not be reinstated this season, the New York Times reported today.
The newspaper quoted a source close to major league baseball’s ruling executive council as saying, “He has no chance of coming back this year.”
Gooden was suspended in 1987, and again in 1995 for violating his drug aftercare program.
Cubs trade Wilkins
The Houston Astros, looking to add power behind the plate, acquired catcher Rick Wilkins from the Chicago Cubs in a trade for outfielder Luis Gonzalez and catcher Scott Servais.
Clearing the bases
When Barry Bonds stole his 13th base of the season in the third inning, he broke the father-son major-league record for stolen bases, combining with his father Bobby for 783. The old record was held by Bump and Maury Wills. Barry and Bobby already hold the fatherson record for home runs with 602. … The Phillies activated right-hander Tommy Greene from the 15-day disabled list and optioned first baseman Gene Schall to ScrantonWilkes-Barre.
Mets 8, Marlins 3
Miami
Bret Saberhagen went the distance for New York, retiring the final 12 batters. His defense was the difference.
Leading 3-1, the Marlins were looking to add to their margin when Kurt Abbott and Charles Johnson opened the sixth inning with singles.
After Marlins starter John Burkett (5-7), who had two of his team’s hits, sacrificed the runners to second and third, Quilvio Veras laid down a suicide squeeze bunt that Saberhagen pounced on and threw to catcher Todd Hundley in time to tag out a sliding Abbott.
On the next play, Chuck Carr dragged a seemingly perfect bunt between first and second Rico Brogna grabbed the ball and flipped low to Saberhagen, who barely beat Carr to the bag to end the inning.
Reds 1, Phillies 0
Philadelphia
Rookie left-hander C.J. Nitkowski held Philadelphia to three hits in seven innings and earned his first majorleague win as Cincinnati scored an unearned run.
Curt Schilling (5-3) took the loss despite giving up only four hits in eight innings, striking out nine and walking none.
Giants 2, Rockies 1 (11)
San Francisco
J.R. Phillips slapped a two-out single down the third-base line to score Robby Thompson in the bottom of the 11th as San Francisco broke a fivegame losing streak.
Braves 4, Expos 3
Atlanta
David Justice, who has pulled tendons in the front of his right shoulder, hit a two-run homer with no outs in the bottom of the ninth inning for Atlanta.
Astros 9, Cardinals 0
Houston
Mike Hampton allowed five hits over eight innings and continued his mastery of St. Louis as Houston beat the Cardinals for its fourth straight victory.
Padres 8, Dodgers 2
Los Angeles
Ken Caminiti tied career highs with two homers, four hits and five RBIs and Andy Ashby earned his third straight win as San Diego beat Los Angeles for the second straight night.