Ryne Sandberg went hitless and struck out twice Sunday as his batting average dipped to .208. But he made the defensive play of the game for the errorless Cubs.
Sandberg prevented a Dodgers run when he ended the second by running into right feld and making a diving catch of Ismael Valdes’ bid for a single.
Instant replay: Mark Grace’s ninth-inning single was his second game-winning hit of the season. He did the same thing Opening Day when the Cubs won by the same 5-4 score in 10 innings.
Got that? Manager Jim Riggleman clarified his left-field platoon pattern involving left-handed batter Luis Gonzalez against right-handed pitchers and righty batter Ozzie Timmons against lefties.
If the Cubs are trailing and the opponent brings in a left-handed relief pitcher to replace a right-handed starter, Riggleman said he will usually bring in Timmons. If the Cubs lead in such a situation, however, Riggleman said he’ll usually leave in Gonzalez.
“If (the other team is) behind, they’ll probably pinch-hit for the lefty pitcher, so another right-hander could come in,” said Riggleman. He also feels Timmons can hit righties and Gonzalez can hit lefties.