Nady, Gorzelanny lead Cubs over Phils
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Xavier Nady drove in two runs and Tom Gorzelanny pitched 6 2/3 shutout innings, as the Chicago Cubs topped the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-1, in the opener of a two-game set at Citizens Bank Park.
Gorzelanny (2-4) allowed three hits with five strikeouts, but left the game with a left ring finger injury. X-rays were negative and Gorzelanny is considered day-to-day.
Jeff Baker and Starlin Castro both drove in a run for the Cubs, who have won four consecutive games.
"We had good two-out hitting and key base hits by Nady and Baker, and we made it hold up," said Chicago manager Lou Piniella.
Placido Polanco scored the only run for the Phillies, who have lost two straight following a four-game win streak. Jamie Moyer (5-3) took the loss despite allowing just two runs on four hits in seven innings. The veteran southpaw recorded seven strikeouts.
"We have a great offensive club, but we're not going to hit well every game," said Polanco.
After Castro's single scored Ryan Theriot in the top of the third for a 1-0 Cubs lead, no batter on either team reached base until Shane Victorino led off the home sixth with a walk. Victorino later stole second and another free pass to Chase Utley gave the Phillies a scoring threat, but Ryan Howard struck out and Jayson Werth flied out.
In the top of the seventh, a two-out double by Alfonso Soriano preceded a run- scoring base hit by Baker for a two-run edge for the visitors.
Gorzelanny got the first out in the home portion of the seventh, but when Carlos Ruiz drilled a line drive directly back at the twirler, it hit his left hand. Gorzelanny was able to make a diving throw to get Ruiz out at first, but exited the game in favor of John Grabow.
Philadelphia cut its deficit in half in the eighth when a soft dribbler toward the third base line by Howard allowed Polanco to score, but Carlos Zambrano entered from the Chicago bullpen and induced an inning-ending groundout from Werth.
After Nady's two-run single in the top of the ninth gave the Cubs a bit of breathing room, closer Carlos Marmol came on for the bottom of the frame. Raul Ibanez drew a one-out walk and Ruiz was then plunked by Marmol to put two runners on base.
Marmol, though, settled down and struck out both pinch-hitter Ross Gload and Victorino to earn his seventh save of the campaign.
Game Notes
Philly was 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position...It was Howard's 30th RBI of the season...Castro was the lone player on either team to post a multi- hit effort (2)...The scheduled pitching matchup for Thursday afternoon is set to feature Joe Blanton against Chicago's Ryan Dempster.
05/20 00:11:31 ET
