Nomo’s Now Known Quantity
National League
Now that Hideo Nomo has proven he is much more than a curiosity, a former teammate who never doubted the Japanese right-hander’s ability has a sobering message for opponents of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“He’ll get better from here on out,” Kintetsu Buffaloes first baseman Hiro Ishii said today from Tokyo after watching Nomo confuse and overpower the San Francisco Giants for five innings on Tuesday.
Masanori Murakami, the first Japanese major leaguer - who pitched for San Francisco three decades ago - said the Dodgers showed confidence in Nomo from the start of training camp. He didn’t disappoint them.
“I was very happy to see another Japanese player finally make it to the major leagues,” Murakami said. “Nomo’s performance brought back a lot of memories for me. My heart was pumping for him.”
Nomo allowed one hit, struck out seven, walked four and threw 91 pitches in his major-league debut, which drew so much interest from his countrymen it was televised live in Japan.
In the stands at Candlestick Park, more than 5,000 miles from his homeland, fans of Nomo waved a Japanese flag and celebrated his strikeouts by waving signs.
Bell ails
Former Cincinnati Reds outfielder Gus Bell, 66, was listed in serious condition Wednesday at Bethesda North Hospital in Cincinnati. He had a heart attack Monday, the hospital said.
Braves sign Avery
Left-hander Steve Avery agreed to a oneyear, $4 million contract with Atlanta. The contract is a $1.2 million raise for Avery.
Clearing the bases
Until he surrendered a single to San Diego’s Brad Ausmus in the eighth, Colorado reliever Darren Holmes had faced 23 batters without allowing a hit… . Montreal failed to hit a home run for the first time this season… . Florida rookie Charles Johnson was hitless in 19 at-bats this season before he singled in the sixth, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd.
Rockies 12, Padres 7
Denver
Joe Girardi tied a club record with six RBIs as Colorado rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat San Diego and improve to a franchise-best 7-1.
Astros 11, Cubs 2
Chicago
Darryl Kile (1-1) allowed three hits in six shutout innings and doubled in two runs as Houston routed Chicago for its third consecutive win, and sent the Cubs to their third straight loss.
Cardinals 8, Pirates 6
St. Louis
Pitcher Allen Watson (1-0) drove in a pair of runs and Tom Henke earned his second save as St. Louis took an early seven-run lead and beat Pittsburgh.
Braves 6, Marlins 4
Miami
Fred McGriff drove in two runs and Tom Glavine (1-0) settled down after giving up two runs in the first as Atlanta defeated Florida.
Expos 3, Mets 1
Montreal
Pedro Martinez (2-0) matched his career high with 10 strikeouts and improved his lifetime mark over New York to 5-0 to guide Montreal’s win.
Reds 7, Phillies 2
Cincinnati
Cincinnati (1-6) emerged from one of its worst starts of the century behind Ron Gant, who singled with the bases loaded and homered against Philadelphia.