Ailing Mets Pitcher May Not Have Tb

National League

Test results from Jason Isringhausen’s bronchoscopy offered no conclusive evidence that the New York Mets pitcher has tuberculosis, Steve Phillips, the team’s assistant general manager, said Monday.

Isringhausen, however, says he’s feeling better since receiving medication aimed at treating tuberculosis.

“There’s not a more definitive diagnosis,” said Phillips, after speaking with Dr. John Olichney, the team internist. But, he added, tests continue to show a reduction “in the chances of lymphoma or cancer.”

There is a chance Isringhausen will have to undergo a surgical procedure so doctors can better see the mediastinum, the primary affected area near the heart. If his condition continues to improve, that may not be necessary. Isringhausen is expected to be out six to eight weeks.

Girl remains missing

Police remained baffled by a possible abduction involving a 5-year-old girl during a game at San Francisco.

There were some reports the girl, initially identified as Kristy Loverdi, was safe at home with her uncle. But police Sgt. Jim Leach said those reports were premature.

A man identified as Frank Loverdi told police during the game Sunday that his 5-year-old niece never returned from a trip to the bathroom.

Police painstakingly searched every car leaving 3-Com Park.

Braves 2, Cardinals 1

St. Louis

Atlanta beat St. Louis again Monday, although it was nothing like last October.

Denny Neagle allowed five hits in eight innings as the Braves won the first meeting between the teams since the N.L. championship series last fall.

Ryan Klesko homered for the Braves, who have beaten the Cardinals four straight times since falling behind 3-1 in the N.L. playoffs last fall.

Mets 6, Rockies 1

Denver

Todd Hundley homered from both sides of the plate and drove in five runs as New York parlayed timely hitting into its victory over Colorado.

Hundley, who finished the night 4 for 4, hit a three-run homer left-handed in the second inning and added a solo homer in the eighth.

Marlins 3, Pirates 0

Miami

Jim Leyland won in his first game managing against his former team as Gary Sheffield hit a two-run double to lead Florida past Pittsburgh.

Dodgers 3, Reds 1 Los Angeles Billy Ashley broke a sixth-inning tie with a two-run homer and Hideo Nomo took a four-hitter into the ninth as Los Angeles beat Cincinnati.

Giants 4, Expos 2

San Francisco

Jeff Kent and Mark Lewis homered to back a strong start by Mark Gardner (3-1) as San Francisco downed Montreal.

Astros 9, Phillies 2

Houston

Rookie Chris Holt (3-3) pitched seven strong innings, and Jeff Bagwell and Luis Gonzalez each homered and drove in three runs as Houston routed Philadelphia.

Clearing the bases

Monday was the 10th anniversary of Rafael Belliard’s only big-league homer. He has gone 1,813 at-bats without another one… . Brett Butler of the Dodgers will undergo an MRI on his sore throwing shoulder… . Gary Gaetti was back in the St. Louis lineup after missing six games with a groin injury… . Pitcher Rick Reed of the Mets was named player of the week.