Varsho Ends Slump To Propel The Phils

National League

Pinch-hitter Gary Varsho’s first hit in more than two weeks couldn’t have come at a much better time for the slumping Philadelphia Phillies.

Varsho hit a two-run single in the eighth inning Thursday to give the Phillies a 3-2 victory over the host Houston Astros, only their third win in 15 games.

“I was so excited about finally getting a hit that I missed the bag,” said Varsho, who got his first hit since coming off the disabled list Aug. 7.

“I had to go back and tag the base.”

With no outs in the eighth, Lenny Webster reached on a fielder’s choice and went to third on a single by Kevin Flora. Varsho then singled off Todd Jones (6-3), his first hit in six at-bats since coming off the disabled list with a strained right forearm.

“0-for-6 for me is a long time, stretching over 10 days,” Varsho said. “You’re talking two weeks without a hit. You begin wondering if you’ll ever get a hit again.”

Reds 6, Dodgers 2

Cincinnati

Pete Schourek became the N.L.’s first 13-game winner, retiring the last 14 batters as Cincinnati beat Los Angeles in a meeting of division leaders.

Rockies 12, Cubs 5

Denver

Dante Bichette, Vinny Castilla and Andres Galarraga homered and Roger Bailey won his first major-league start as Colorado defeated Chicago.

Clearing the bases

Philadelphia second baseman Mickey Morandini has played 32 straight games without an error… . Houston has come from behind to win 19 of its last 24 games, and Wednesday’s 5-4 victory was the Astros’ 14th win in their last at-bat.