Houston — The Houston Astros were being aggressive even though they had the lead in the NL wild-card chase. And it cost them.
Charles Gipson was cut down at home plate for the final out following Luke Scott's double into the right-center gap, and the Chicago Cubs beat Houston, 3-2, Thursday night to cut the Astros' lead over Philadelphia to two games going into the final weekend of the regular season.
Gipson was waved home by third base coach Doug Mansolino, and when the speedy pinch runner headed toward home, he saw the relay throw to the plate. He tried to knock over Henry Blanco, but the catcher applied the tag.
"No question about it, he's got to send him," Astros manager Phil Garner said. "I'd been upset if he hadn't sent him. If the throw's off at all, he's got a chance to be safe."
Instead, the Cubs made two perfect throws to end the game.
Ryan Dempster walked Orlando Palmeiro with one out, Gipson pinch-ran, and pinch-hitter Mike Lamb struck out before Scott pinch-hit. Center fielder Corey Patterson cut off Scott's drive and threw to second baseman Jose Macias, who made the relay to Blanco, well ahead of Gipson.
Diamondbacks 3, Dodgers 2
Los Angeles - Alex Cintron drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.
Brewers 2, Reds 0
Milwaukee - Gary Glover allowed two hits over seven innings and struck out a career-high 10 in leading Milwaukee over Cincinnati on a "free admission" day at Miller Park.
Mets 11, Rockies 0
New York - Mike Piazza started what almost certainly is his final series as a Met with a huge home run, and Tom Glavine pitched a two-hitter to even his record as New York defeated Colorado.
Padres 1, Giants 0, 11 innings
San Diego - Brian Lawrence held San Francisco to three hits over nine innings, and a lineup more suited for spring training beat the Giants. Damian Jackson drove in the winning run with his fourth hit.
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