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Tapani Brilliant In His Cubs Debut

Associated Press

National League

Kevin Tapani made his Chicago Cubs debut a memorable one Wednesday. He limited Atlanta to five hits over seven-plus innings to lead the Cubs to a 3-1 victory over the Braves.

Tapani (1-0) signed a three-year, $11 million deal with the Cubs after winning 13 games for the crosstown White Sox last season and underwent surgery April 4 to remove scar tissue around a ligament in his right index finger.

After five rehab starts, Tapani was activated off the disabled list before Wednesday’s game. He walked none and struck out nine to gain his first victory since Sept. 20.

Giants 16, Phillies 4 San Francisco

Barry Bonds hit his sixth career grand slam and Bill Mueller added a two-run homer in a seven-run third inning as San Francisco defeated Philadelphia.

Bonds’ homer into the right-center stands was his 26th of the season and the 360th of his career to move him into sole possession of 44th place on the major-league list.

Marlins 8, Reds 1 Cincinnati

Darren Daulton hit an RBI triple and also scored on a jarring slide in his starting debut for Florida, providing a spark as the Marlins pulled away to beat Cincinnati.

Bobby Bonilla and Charles Johnson homered in Florida’s second win in six games.

Mets 2, Dodgers 1 Los Angeles

Brian Bohanon, recalled from the minors to make an emergency start for the injured Armando Reynoso, pitched five strong innings to lead New York to a win over Los Angeles.

Padres 9, Pirates 1 San Diego

Tony Gwynn went 2 for 2 and drove in three runs before leaving after the third inning with tightness in his left hamstring, and San Diego defeated Pittsburgh.

Gwynn, who raised his average to .390, appeared to hurt himself running the bases in the second inning. He left for precautionary reasons with the Padres leading 7-1.

Astros 7, Cardinals 2 St. Louis

Thomas Howard hit a two-run homer as Houston completed a perfect five-game trip with a victory over St. Louis.

Clearing the bases

Third baseman Terry Pendleton, 37, was released by the Cincinnati Reds, who are turning to their young players as their playoff chances diminish. … Barry Bonds, who stole second in the second inning, needs two more steals for 400 in his career. … Kevin Tapani is the 33rd player and 16th pitcher to see action for the Cubs this season. He is the eighth different starting pitcher.