Gant Comes Back Fast And Furious

National League

Ron Gant made a quick recovery from a torn rotator cuff, doubling twice and scoring three times Tuesday night as the St. Louis Cardinals moved into first place in the N.L. Central with a 12-3 victory over the Houston Astros at St. Louis.

Gant hurt his left, non-throwing, shoulder making a headfirst slide into home plate on Friday night. He returned to left field and the third slot in the order and helped the Cardinals win their fifth in a row and extend their mastery over Houston to 10-2 - including 5-0 at Busch Stadium.

St. Louis is back in first place for the first time since Aug. 19.

Dodgers 7, Mets 6

New York

Raul Mondesi hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning and Los Angeles held on to beat New York to move into a first-place tie in the N.L. West.

Los Angeles, which has a share of the division lead for the first time since Aug. 18, has won 10 of 12.

Cubs 11, Marlins 3

Miami

Ryne Sandberg homered and drove in three runs, and Jamie Navarro won his seventh straight decision to lead the Chicago Cubs over Florida.

Gary Sheffield hit his 39th homer for Florida, leaving him one behind N.L. leaders Sammy Sosa and Andres Galaragga.

Phillies 8, Padres 2

Philadelphia

Michael Mimbs came off the disabled list to win his second game this season and Scott Rolen homered and drove in four runs leading Philadelphia over San Diego.

Reds 5, Braves 1

Cincinnati

Marquis Grissom opened the game with a homer off Dave Burba for Atlanta’s only hit, and Cincinnati beat the slumping Braves again.

The Braves have lost four straight for the first time this season.

Expos 9, Giants 2

Montreal

David Segui hit a pair of two-run homers and Pedro Martinez struck out 11 to lead Montreal.

Clearing the bases

Montreal pitcher Jeff Juden’s four-game suspension has been upheld and he will start serving the penalty today. He was suspended Aug. 14 and fined $1,000 for his role in a brawl with Houston two days earlier. … Pitcher Mike Morgan, released by the Cardinals, cleared waivers and signed with the Reds. … Pitcher Calvin Maduro, 21, was acquired by the Phillies from the Orioles and is to become the first native of Aruba to play in the major leagues.