Montreal Grabs Lead in N.L. Playoffs

Montreal right fielder Jerry White's three-run homer gave the Expos a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers last night, and a 2-1 edge in the best-of-five National League championship series.

White's hit off Dodger starter Jerry Reuss, only his fourth home-run of the season--came with two out in the Expo sixth, following a walk by Gary Carter and a Larry Parrish single.

The runs broke in strong of 23 consecutive shut-out innings in play-off competition by Reuss.

Montreal starter Steve Rogers held the Dodgers to seven hits before an enthusiastic home crowd of 55,000 at Olympic Stadium, despite a game-time temperature of 45 degrees.

Los Angeles got on the board first in the coming with two out, and looked every bit as dominating as he did in winning 11 of his last 12 starts and leading the Dodgers to two victories over the Houston Astros in National League West divisional playoffs. Reuss left the game after pitching seven innings and giving up seven hits.

Rogers struck out five and walked one in pitching his third complete game--and victory--of post-season competition.

Prior to the sixth inning, Reuss had allowed Montreal only three hits, all coming with two out.

Montreal can clinch a spot in the World Series against the New York Yankees by winning one more game and their first National League pennant. Game four takes place tonight in Montreal. A fifth game, if necessary, would be played Sunday.