And more ground opened up between them and the first-place Pirates.

The victory was the seventh in the last eight games for the first-place Pirates and went to Zane Smith (9-6).

The victory moved the surprising Expos within two games of the first-place Pirates in the National League East.

The result dumped the Mets eight games back of the first-place Pirates and left them uncomfortably entrenched in fourth place in the N.L. East.

The Cubs fell 12 1/2 games behind the first-place Pirates.

Pending the outcome of tonight's Pittsburgh game in St. Louis, the Mets are nine games behind the first-place Pirates.

The victory moved the Expos within a half-game of the first-place Pirates, who have lost four games in a row and five of six.

But they self-destructed against the Phillies and dropped seven games behind the first-place Pirates.

The Cardinals, with their blue-collar ethic, have put some juice into the National League East if not a longlasting scare into the first-place Pirates.

The first-place Pirates have won 9 of 12.