Florida’s Victory Is Valuable

The Florida Marlins still have a few World Series heroes left.

Livan Hernandez pitched a nine-hitter Friday for his first win since April 16, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-1, in Miami.

The most valuable player of the World Series had been winless in his last six starts, struggling in a new role after the dismantling of the team.

“Livan has been affected by everything that has gone on,” Manager Jim Leyland said. “It bothered him a little bit. You’ve got to know you’re pitching for something, and that’s something he’s got to remember.”

The victory came hours after the Marlins traded catcher Mike Piazza to the New York Mets, the latest deal in a payroll purge.

Gregg Zaun, who became the Marlins’ everyday catcher when they traded Piazza, broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI double in the fourth.

“This is definitely a dream come true,” said Zaun, now the happiest veteran in a clubhouse that has been somber most of the season.

St. Louis 4, San Francisco 3--Mark McGwire hit his 21st home run and Ron Gant had the game-winning RBI single in the 12th as the Cardinals beat the Giants in St. Louis.

San Diego 9, Houston 6--Greg Vaughn hit two two-run homers as the Padres continued their best start ever by winning at Houston.

Tony Gwynn and Greg Myers also homered for San Diego, and Craig Biggio homered twice for the Astros.

New York 3, Milwaukee 2--Piazza will join the Mets before today’s game and take over as the starting catcher--at least until Todd Hundley returns from elbow surgery.

Alberto Castillo, New York’s catcher Friday night, scored the go-ahead run in the fifth inning.

John Franco, who switched to uniform No. 45 to allow Piazza to take No. 31, finished for his 10th save.

Colorado 3, Cincinnati 2--The Rockies ended their 19-inning scoring drought in the third inning at Cincinnati when Dante Bichette drove in two runs with an opposite-field single after fouling off five pitches with two strikes.

Larry Walker extended his hitting streak to a career-high 17 games.

Philadelphia 7, Montreal 5--Mark Lewis doubled home the go-ahead run in the 10th inning as the Phillies rallied at Montreal.

Lewis had two doubles and a homer and Scott Rolen had four RBIs, including a two-out RBI single in the ninth that tied the score, 5-5.

Atlanta 8, Chicago 2--Pinch-hitter Gerald Williams hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning to give Greg Maddux his fourth straight victory as the Braves beat the Cubs at Atlanta.