National League Roundup: Biggio hits for cycle
Second baseman adds four RBIs in 8-4 victory
Denver ? With a single, triple and home run in his first three at-bats, Craig Biggio knew what needed to be done.
After being walked intentionally in his next plate appearance, Biggio lined a two-run double down the left-field line, completing the cycle and helping the Houston Astros to an 8-4 victory Monday in the Colorado Rockies’ home opener.
Biggio, who drove in four runs, put the Astros ahead 8-1 with his double in the eighth.
“Well, you know what you need,” Biggio said of his last at-bat. “But the last thing you’re trying to do is hit a double. I was just trying to hit the ball hard. That’s what I’m trying to do every time up.
“It’s a special day. It’s a lucky day when something like that happens. I caught a couple of breaks with the ball staying inside the line (on his double and triple). It’s kind of cool.”
Lance Berkman hit his fourth home run of the season, a two-run drive off Denny Neagle (1-1) in the third, and Roy Oswalt won his second straight start, sending the Rockies to their fourth consecutive loss.
Expos 10, Marlins 2
Miami Michael Barrett hit a three-run homer and drove in a career-high five runs in Florida’s home opener. Tony Armas (1-1) allowed both runs and four hits in 813 innings. A.J. Burnett (1-1), who beat Armas last week, struck out eight but allowed six runs and 10 hits in five innings.
Braves 2, Phillies 1
Philadelphia Kevin Millwood (1-1) improved to 5-0 at Veterans Stadium, by allowing four hits and one run in 713 innings with eight strikeouts. Last Wednesday, he lost to the Phillies 3-1.
Padres 8, D’backs 0
San Diego Phil Nevin and D’Angelo Jimenez hit two-run homers in San Diego’s home opener, and the Padres took advantage of four Arizona errors.
Pirates 1, Reds 0
Pittsburgh Ron Villone (1-1) extended Pittsburgh’s unexpectedly good run of early pitching with 71*3 shutout innings and the Pirates improved to 5-1 for the first time since 1983.