National League Action (Day 3 / April 8th, 1987)

The Cincinnati Reds (0-2) were close to winning their first game of the season, until the Expos' Hubie Brooks hit a game-tying two-run homer during the top of the 9th inning off Reds closer John Franco. Mitch Webster's RBI double during the top of the 12th & a Randy St. Claire save would secure a victory for the Montreal Expos (2-0). The Reds' Kal Daniels batted 2-for-6 with a HR & double, while Dave Conception batted 2-for-5 with a double & RBI. Ted Power pitched a good game before handing off the game to the bullpen. Power allowed only 3 hits, no runs & 3 walks, while striking out 5 batters through 7 innings. The Expos' Jeff Parrett was credited with the win, while Rob Murphy (0-1, 1.80 ERA) got the loss. 3-2, Expos beat Reds in 12.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (1-2) finally broke through with their 1st win against their division rival Houston Astros (2-1). Fernanado Valenzuela showed glimpses from his 'Fernandomania' days, pitching a complete game, allowing 6 hits, 2 earned runs & a walk. Valenzuela struck out 6 Astros hitters. The Dodgers' lineup was led by Dave Anderson (2-5, 2 RBI), Pedro Guerrero (2-5, 2 doubles, 2 R) & Mike Marshall (2-4, RBI double & a run). Danny Darwin (0-1, 9.00) just didn't have his stuff, while the Astros' big highlight was a pinch-hit home run by Phil Garner. Dodgers win 6-2.

The San Diego Padres (2-1) edge the San Francisco Giants (1-2), 5-4. The Padres' Benito Santiago didn't hit a home run this time, but did go 1-for-4 with a three-run triple. Santiago has 7 RBI during this young season. John Kruk added a two-run homer, while drawing two walks & scoring twice. Tony Gwynn (.455 AVG) continues to rake, batting 2-for-4 while scoring twice, and stealing a bag. The Giants' Chris Brown batted 2-for-4 with a HR, 2 RBI & 2 runs, while Chris Speier earning a start after his game-winning hit the other night, batted 2-for-5 with a solo home run.