NATIONAL LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Yet Another Comeback Keeps Cubs in the Hunt

The Chicago Cubs could definitely get used to this.

The Cubs staged another dramatic comeback Friday, scoring three times in the ninth inning to tie before beating the Houston Astros, 4-3, in the 10th at Chicago on Luis Gonzalez’s one-out single to stay alive in the National League wild-card race.

The rally came just one day after Chicago became the only major league team this century to come back from six deficits in a game, defeating Houston, 12-11, in 11 innings.

The Cubs’ eighth consecutive victory still left them needing Colorado to lose its two remaining games against San Francisco. And Chicago still had to close out the regular season by beating Houston today and Sunday.

The Astros are one game ahead of the Cubs and one game behind the Rockies.

“There’s still almost no chance of us making the playoffs. But we’re taking care of our business,” Mark Grace said. “It’s a fun thing. Go Giants. Go Giants!”

Mike Perez (2-5) got the victory. Doug Brocail (6-4) took the loss.

Cincinnati 14, Montreal 9--The Reds built a 13-0 lead in the first three innings, then held off a late Expo charge to win at Montreal as Hal Morris had a two-run homer and three RBIs and Reggie Sanders had three RBIs and scored three times.

Mark Portugal (11-10) got the victory and drove in two runs.

Florida 5, Philadelphia 2--Chris Hammond (9-6) and two relievers combined on a three-hitter and Kurt Abbott and Bob Natal homered in the victory at Miami.

New York 6, Atlanta 3--Rico Brogna drove in three runs with two singles and Bobby Jones scattered seven hits in eight innings as the Mets extended their winning streak to four at New York.

St. Louis 3, Pittsburgh 2--Donovan Osborne (4-6) won his fourth game of the month and Tom Henke got his 35th save, moving into a fifth-place tie on the all-time list with Rich Gossage in the victory at St. Louis.