Lopez’s Homer Collars Colorado

National League

Javier Lopez hit a tie-breaking two-run homer in the seventh inning Thursday to lift the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies in Atlanta.

With the score tied at 1, David Justice singled off Mike Munoz (0-1) to open the seventh. Ryan Klesko struck out, but Steve Reed relieved and gave up Lopez’s fourth homer, a shot that landed in the seats in left-center.

Greg McMichael (3-0) yielded an eighth-inning homer to Larry Walker, his sixth, cutting the lead to 3-2. Mark Wohlers allowed runners to reach first and second in the ninth before rookie Pedro Borbon got the last out for his second save, retiring Walker on a fly ball to the wall in left.

Braves starter Tom Glavine worked six innings, allowing one run and seven hits. He fanned four and walked one.

Colorado starter Marvin Freeman entered the game with a 16.20 ERA, not having lasted more than four innings in his previous three starts. But this time he lasted six innings, allowing one run and five hits with one strikeout.

Mets 8, Astros 1

Houston

Bobby Bonilla hit his fifth homer and Jeff Kent and Todd Hundley had two RBIs each as New York beat Doug Drabek (1-3) for the first time in nearly three years in a victory over Houston.

Rookie Dave Mlicki (2-0) allowed five hits in seven innings.

Drabek (1-3) had not lost to the Mets since October 2, 1992, and was 4-0 with a 2.38 ERA in six starts against New York since coming to the Astros in 1993.

Cards 4, Giants 2 (10)

San Francisco

Bernard Gilkey hit an RBI double in the 10th and Ray Lankford added a sacrifice fly, giving St. Louis a win over San Francisco.

Pirates 7, Dodgers 6

Los Angeles

Nelson Liriano produced his first four RBIs of the season and pinch-hitter Rich Aude hit a tie-breaking two-run homer in the sixth as Pittsburgh beat Los Angeles.

Nomo in the spotlight

Hideo Nomo isn’t just a pitcher, he’s an event.

After Nomo struck out 14 in seven shutout innings against Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda said it reminded him of Fernandomania ‘81, with sensation Fernando Valenzuela.

“It’s worse. It’s really worse, believe me,” Lasorda said.

About 85 Japanese reporters chronicle Nomo’s every move.

Bucs reach agreement

John J. Rigas, a cable TV executive backed by nearly $18 million in city-supplied cash and lease enhancements, reached a preliminary agreement to buy the money-losing Pittsburgh Pirates.

Rigas must be approved by other major league owners, a process that could take four months.

Clearing the bases

In his last 14 games, Bobby Bonilla of New York has scored 10 runs, with two triples, two doubles, four homers and eight RBIs… . Brett Butler of New York has seven multiple-hit games in his last 11 games… . Andres Galarraga of Colorado has hit safely in his last 15 starts and has 13 RBIs in 15 games.