National League Roundup : Maddux Throws Four-Hitter, Defeats Giants for 14th Win

National League hitters cannot take any solace in the words of Greg Maddux after the Chicago Cubs’ right-hander became the majors’ first 14-game winner.

“I thought this is the best I’ve thrown all season,” Maddux said after pitching a four-hitter in the Cubs’ 3-2 victory over the Giants Monday at San Francisco. “It’s probably the most movement I’ve had on my pitches and it’s the best changeup I’ve had.”

Despite his performance, Maddux, 22, was even with the Giants, 2-2, after eight innings.

Shawon Dunston hit a single off reliever Atlee Hammaker to open the ninth, stole second and continued to third when catcher Bob Melvin’s throw went into short center. The Giants’ Scott Garrelts came in to face Manny Trillo, whose single scored the winning run.

A two-out, two-run single by Brett Butler in the third accounted for the Giants’ runs. Twice Maddux avoided potential trouble by walking the Giants’ leading hitter, Will Clark.

Before the season opened, the Cubs were hoping that Maddux, despite a 6-14 record as a rookie last season, might help improve a shaky pitching staff. Maddux himself had a modest improvement in mind.

“I wanted to win 12 games this year to double last season’s total, “ Maddux (14-3) said after getting his eighth straight victory. “I’ve done that. As far as I’m concerned, I’m two above my goal, so I’m happy. I don’t even think about winning 20.”

Last season he was performing so poorly, the Cubs sent him to the minors. This season he is in line to start the All-Star game.

His next start should be Saturday night at San Diego. That would give him two days’ off before the All-Star game.

“It’s such an honor to even be considered for it,” Maddux said. “I’d like to play in it, but, if I’m selected, that’s good enough for me.”

Whitey Herzog, who will manage the National League team, has already said he wants Maddux to start.

Cincinnati 5, New York 1--The Reds, after losing six straight to the Mets, finally beat them at New York. But it may have been a costly victory.

Eric Davis, the Reds’ best player, had to be helped off the field after he collided with Cincinnati second baseman Jeff Treadway while trying to run down Kevin McReynolds’ pop fly in the third that went for a double. Davis has a severly bruised knee.

Eddie Milner replaced Davis in center and saved a run when he made a diving catch of Darryl Strawberry’s sinking liner. Milner also figured in the offense. He went 2 for 2, scored two runs and drove in another.

Jose Rijo (9-2) lost a bid for his first shutout in 60 career starts with two outs in the ninth. Dave Magadan singled in Howard Johnson with the run, and reliever John Franco came in to get the last out.

Montreal 7, Houston 4--Hot-hitting Andres Galarraga had four hits and scored three runs at Houston to lead the Expos.

Although he needed help in the seventh, Dennis Martinez (8-7) won for the fifth time in his last six decisions. He gave up 3 runs and 6 hits in 6 innings.

Galarraga, the league’s leading hitter, has 13 hits in the last four games.

San Diego 4, Pittsburgh 3--Chris Brown hit a single with the bases loaded and one out in the 10th inning at San Diego to knock the Pirates out of second place in the East.

The Padres led, 3-1, going into the ninth, but pitcher Mark Davis, the eventual winner, gave up two runs to send the game into extra innings.

Atlanta 7, Philadelphia 0--Rookie Pete Smith threw a three-hitter at Atlanta for his first major league shutout, and Dale Murphy and Jim Morrison each hit three-run home runs.