Braves, Astros Division Winners

Already the only team to win six consecutive division titles, the Atlanta Braves made it seven in a row Monday night with a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta, clinching the NL East.

Fireworks lit the sky above Turner Field and the scoreboard flashed “1998 East Division Champions.” Inside the clubhouse everyone paused for a moment to recognize another remarkable season.

“I never get tired of celebrating,” Manager Bobby Cox said, grasping a bottle of bubbly. “We play a lot of games all year long. By golly, we’re going to celebrate.”

Tom Glavine (19-6) gave up eight hits and three walks in six innings. Chipper Jones homered over the center-field wall leading off the sixth after Michael Tucker hit his first homer in over a month.

New York 7, Houston 4--The Astros clinched their second consecutive NL Central championship despite their 13-inning loss to the Mets at Houston.

The Astros’ title was ensured about an hour later when second-place Chicago lost to San Diego. The Cubs’ defeat dropped them into a tie with the Mets for the wild-card lead.

Arizona 14, San Francisco 2--Travis Lee drove in five runs, three with a two-out double in the second inning, as the Diamondbacks routed the fading Giants at Phoenix.

The Giants, who began the night 3 1/2 games behind NL wild-card leader Chicago, have just 12 games to erase the deficit.

Montreal 4, Florida 2--Dustin Hermanson won his third consecutive decision and Brad Fullmer hit a three-run homer to lead the Expos at Montreal.

The Marlins lost for the 16th time in 18 games. Florida leads the majors with 102 losses.

Milwaukee 2, Cincinnati 1--Jeromy Burnitz drove in two runs with his 37th homer and RBI double, leading the Brewers at Cincinnati.

Steve Woodard (10-11), gave up six hits in seven-plus innings, struck out three and walked one.