Sporting Digest: Baseball

The New York Yankees outfielder Darryl Strawberry underwent surgery on Saturday to remove a cancerous tumour from his colon. The 36-year-old was diagnosed with colon cancer on Thursday after undergoing tests due to prolonged stomach irritation over the last two months.

The Atlanta Braves completed a three-game sweep of their National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs with a 6-2 victory on Saturday as Greg Maddux pitched seven strong innings, doubled and scored a run and his personal catcher Eddie Perez hit a grand slam. The Braves will appear in their seventh consecutive National League Championship Series when they host the winner of the San Diego-Houston series beginning Wednesday.

In San Diego, Leyritz hit his fifth postseason home run with one out in the seventh to break a tie and Tony Gwynn showed his all-around skills for the Padres. Padres manager Bruce Bochy had gambled by starting ace Kevin Brown to the mound on three days' rest, hoping to steal the lead in the series. Brown delivered a gritty performance but was matched by Mike Hampton, who did not allow a hit over five innings. San Diego eventually ran out 2-1 winners over Houston Astros to lead the series 2-1.