Rookie Brad Hennessey gave up two hits over seven innings, and Barry Bonds went 3-for-3, but failed to hit his 700th career homer, in San Francisco’s 4-0 victory over Milwaukee. The Giants won their fifth straight to complete a perfect turn through the starting rotation by Nick Lowry, Jason Schmidt, Kirk Rueter, Brett Tomko and Hennessey. They collectively allowed six runs over 37 1 1/43 innings (1.45 ERA) in winning their five starts.
Friday’s starters: Nick Lowry (4-0) vs. Jake Peavy (12-5)
Quotable: “We’ve got to keep winning,” Bonds said. “We’re not playing for 700 home runs. We’re playing to win.”
Notable: Bonds has hit 78 home runs against San Diego, more than any other opponent.
Home remaining: San Diego (3), Houston (3), L.A. (3)
Away remaining: San Diego (3), L.A. (3)
ASTROS FEAST ON ERRORS
Jeff Kent had two doubles and four RBIs, and the St. Louis Cardinals committed a season-high four errors to help the Houston Astros snap Jason Marquis’ 11-game winning streak with an 8-3 victory on Thursday night. The Astros took two of three from the NL Central leaders, staying two games behind the Giants in the wild-card race.
Friday’s starters: Ben Sheets (11-11) vs. Roy Oswalt (17-9)
Notable: Houston’s Lance Berkman was 7-for-11 with three RBIs in the series.
Home remaining: Milwaukee (3), St. Louis (3), Colorado (3)
Away remaining: San Francisco (3), Milwaukee (3)
PADRES KEEP PACE
Adam Eaton allowed five hits over seven innings and Brian Giles homered for the second straight game, helping the Padres beat the Dodgers 3-0. San Diego moved within 5 1 1/42 games of the Dodgers in the NL West and three back of the Giants.
Friday’s starters: Jake Peavy (12-5) vs. Nick Lowry (4-0)
Notable: The San Diego Padres quickly found a replacement for injured shortstop Khalil Greene, acquiring former Cub Alex Gonzalez from the Montreal Expos on Thursday. The Padres have lost three infielders to injuries this week, but Gonzalez should help. Gonzalez is hitting .229 with seven homers and 24 RBIs.
Home remaining: Los Angeles (3), Arizona (3), San Francisco (3)
Away remaining: San Francisco (3), Arizona (3)
WILLIS WEATHERS MONTREAL
Dontrelle Willis won for the first time in five starts, and Juan Encarnacion hit a two-run triple to lead the Florida Marlins over the Montreal Expos, 4-3, Thursday night. The Marlins, who trailed 3-0 in the fifth, earned their 25th comeback victory and remained 3 1 1/42 games behind San Francisco in the wild-card race.
Friday’s starters: Undecided vs. Paul Byrd (7-5)
Notable: Florida’s Juan Pierre has hit safely in 22 of his last 25 games. Willis hit a leadoff single in the seventh, his 14th hit of the season.
Home remaining: Atlanta (3), Cubs (2), Philadelphia (3)
Away remaining: Atlanta (3), Montreal (3), Philadelphia (4)
– – –
TEAM: San Francisco Giants
W: 82
L: 65
PCT.: .558
GB: —
FRIDAY 17th: San Diego 9:15 p.m.
SATURDAY 18th: San Diego 3:05 p.m.
SUNDAY 19th: San Diego 3:05 p.m.
MONDAY 20th: OFF
TUESDAY 21st: Houston 9:15 p.m.
TEAM: CUBS
W: 80
L: 64
PCT.: .556
GB: 0.5
FRIDAY 17th: at Cincy 6:10 p.m. FSN+, CLTV
SATURDAY 18th: at Cincy 6:10 p.m. WGN
SUNDAY 19th: at Cincy 12:15 p.m. FSN
MONDAY 20th: at Florida (2) 12:05 p.m.
TUESDAY 21st: At Pittsburgh 6:05 p.m.
TEAM: Houston Astros
W: 80
L: 67
PCT.: .554
GB: 2
FRIDAY 17th: at St. Louis 7:10 p.m.
SATURDAY 18th: Milwaukee 7:05 p.m.
SUNDAY 19th: Milwaukee 6:05 p.m.
MONDAY 20th: Milwaukee 7:05 p.m.
TUESDAY 21st: OFF
TEAM: San Diego Padres
W: 79
L: 68
PCT.: .537
GB: 3
FRIDAY 17th: at San Francisco 9:15 p.m.
SATURDAY 18th: at San Francisco 3:05 p.m.
SUNDAY 19th: at San Francisco 3:05 p.m.
MONDAY 20th: OFF
TUESDAY 21st: Los Angeles 9:05 p.m.
TEAM: Florida Marlins
W: 77
L: 67
PCT.: .535
GB: 3.5
FRIDAY 17th: Atlanta 6:35 p.m.
SATURDAY 18th: Atlanta 5:05 p.m.
SUNDAY 19th: Atlanta 12:05 p.m.
MONDAY 20th: CUBS (2) 12:05 p.m.
TUESDAY 21st: Philadelphia 6:05 p.m.
