Giants Set For ‘Rocky’ Pitching

National League

San Francisco has been warned: Expect some inside pitches from Colorado tonight. The Giants are unfazed. They plan to pitch the same way.

Such is life between the two teams, who carry a short, but ugly history involving hit batsmen into their three-game series at Coors Field.

The latest incident, in which Giants pitcher Jose Bautista hit Andres Galarraga on the wrist in an exhibition opener, prompted comments from Colorado manager Don Baylor that heightened the tension.

“We’ve seen too much of that,” Baylor said after Galarraga was hit April 12, the last time the teams played. “We’re going to make a statement. Our pitchers will start going inside, and it’s going to be in the middle of the lineup.”

Clearing the bases

St. Louis activated infielder Tim Hulett from the 15-day disabled list and optioned outfielder Terry Bradshaw to Triple A Louisville… . Pittsburgh left fielder Al Martin’s walk in the fourth ended Houston pitcher Darryl Kile’s streak of 25 consecutive innings without a walk. Kile led N.L. pitchers with a league-high 82 walks last season… . Chicago has scored 50 runs in its seven victories and nine in its three losses… . Atlanta starter Tom Glavine has given up two runs in the first inning in all three of his starts this season.

Cubs 7, Cardinals 4

St. Louis

Jim Bullinger lowered his ERA to a league-leading 0.51 and drove in two runs as Chicago beat St. Louis.

Bullinger (2-0) gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings, but none were earned.

Phillies 3, Braves 2

Atlanta

Philadelphia completed its first four-game sweep in Atlanta since 1973, beating the Braves behind Gregg Jefferies’ two-run homer in the first inning.

Expos 7, Marlins 5

Montreal

Tony Tarasco is wasting no time impressing his new ballclub.

The former Brave hit a leadoff home run in the first inning, then doubled home the tying run during a three-run eighth that led Montreal over Florida.

Astros 6, Pirates 3

Pittsburgh

Second baseman Carlos Garcia’s throwing error on an apparent double play ball set up Tony Eusebio’s go-ahead sacrifice fly in the ninth inning, leading Houston past Pittsburgh.

Orlando Miller hit a two-run homer and drove in three runs for Houston.

Padres 5, Dodgers 2

San Diego

Eddie Williams had three hits and drove in two runs as San Diego stopped a seven-game losing streak.