[Nick Soulis]

Game #3

Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres



Cubs Clipped in San Diego as Garvey, Padres Stay Hot
By Paul Sullivan | Tribune Staff Writer



SAN DIEGO — Steve Garvey and the San Diego Padres spoiled the Cubs’ perfect start to the season Friday night, using a pair of big innings and timely hitting to claim a 7-5 victory under the lights at Jack Murphy Stadium.

The veteran first baseman went 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI—including the game-winning, two-run single with two outs in the sixth—to pace a 12-hit Padres attack that kept their early momentum alive. San Diego improved to 3-0 on the season, while the Cubs dropped to 2-1.

“Steve showed up tonight,” Padres manager Dick Williams said with a grin postgame. “We needed a hit there, and that’s why we lean on him.”

The Cubs opened strong, jumping ahead 2-0 in the first on a two-run blast to left by center fielder Gary Woods, who finished 3-for-5 with two RBI and a team-high six total bases. But starter Scott Sanderson couldn’t hold the lead, yielding three in the home half of the inning, highlighted by Garvey’s first double.

Chicago clawed back with two in the fourth to tie the game at 4-4—Woods again delivering in a two-out spot—and briefly took the lead in the sixth when pinch hitter Larry Bowa lofted a sacrifice fly to plate Billy Buckner. But once again, the Padres responded.

Sanderson (0-1) departed after five shaky innings (9 H, 5 ER), and reliever Rich Bordi was greeted rudely by the heart of San Diego’s lineup. After loading the bases, Bordi was tagged for Garvey’s clutch two-run single, giving the Padres a 7-5 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Padres catcher Terry Kennedy also contributed three hits and three RBI, while Tony Gwynn scored three runs and stole a base.

Trailing late, the Cubs had opportunities but couldn’t cash in. In the eighth, pinch-hitter Mel Hall reached on a single, but San Diego’s bullpen slammed the door. Goose Gossage struck out the side in the ninth—Ron Cey, Keith Moreland, and Jody Davis—in dominant fashion to earn his first save of the year.

“We had our chances,” Cubs manager Jim Frey said. “When you score five runs and bang out 11 hits, you should be in it. But we let a few get away on the mound.”

Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the North Siders. Woods is now hitting .600 through three games, while Gene Matthews doubled and drew a walk. Tim Veryzer added two hits and a stolen base from the eighth spot.

San Diego starter Tim Lollar wasn’t sharp (6 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 3 BB), but he picked up the win thanks to the Padres' bats and a shutdown bullpen trio of Craig Lefferts, Luis DeLeon, and Gossage.

Game Notes:

The Cubs were 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base.

Moreland remains hitless (0-for-11) to start the season.

Attendance at Jack Murphy Stadium was 29,104 under clear skies and 60-degree weather.

The game lasted 2 hours and 52 minutes.

Up Next:
The Cubs will try to even the series Saturday evening with Dick Ruthven expected to take the mound against Padres right-hander Ed Whitson.