Mike Morgan`s third hit of the season not only drove in an important run in the fifth inning Thursday; it also tied him with Greg Maddux in their personal hitting duel.
The two graduates of Las Vegas Valley High School have been feuding about their hitting since spring training. Maddux started the season 3 for 8, including a double and a home run, but he is hitless since.
”We`re not tied,” said an indignant Maddux. ”I`ve got 10 total bases. He`s only got three.”
Actually, Maddux has seven total bases, and he leads Morgan 3-2 in RBIs. But who`s counting?
– Mark Grace`s single in the fourth inning extended his hitting streak to 11 games, one shy of the Cub high for this season. Shawon Dunston hit in 12 consecutive games from April 19 through May 3 before going out for the season with back surgery. Grace has had six hitting streaks of 10 games or more in his career. His longest was 19 last year.
– Derrick May has quietly started hitting. He was 1 for 3 Thursday and is 5 for his last 14 to raise his average to .207, up 48 points in the last 10 days. May says manager Jim Lefebvre has been helping him with the mechanics of his swing.
– Two of the three pitchers the Cubs will face in the Dodger series beginning Friday have a history of beating them. Friday`s starter, Ramon Martinez is 4-1 against the Cubs. Sunday`s starter, Orel Hershiser, is 7-3. The only loser is Kevin Gross, scheduled to go Saturday against Shawn Boskie. Gross is 6-15 lifetime against the Cubs, including a loss in Dodger Stadium May 18 when Frank Castillo and three relievers threw a shutout against him.
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