Cubs Make New Skipper Sweat Again

Gene Michael, who found managing the New York Yankees nerve-wracking, is getting that same uneasy feeling in his stomach managing the Chicago Cubs.

Michael, the new manager of the Cubs, watched nervously as his team beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-4, in 10 innings Wednesday on a bases-loaded wild pitch. All five of his games as Cub manager have been cliffhangers, with two going extra innings and three ending up as Cub victories.

“Isn’t this something?” Michael said. “Every game is a doggone thriller. When I first became a manager (with the New York Yankees), Dick Howser told me I needed a a good contract and a strong stomach.”

Phillie reliever Don Carman, who gave up an intentional walk to Leon Durham and an unintentional walk to Jerry Mumphrey to load the bases, threw a pitch to pinch-hitter Thad Bosley that went into the dirt. It bounced high into the air off catcher Darren Daulton and back toward the Cub dugout, allowing Ron Cey to score from third.

“I don’t think he (Daulton) knew where the ball was,” Philadelphia Manager John Felske said. “He had a tough time finding it.”

Cey came close to being the hero of the contest during his at-bat in the 10th. Jody Davis started the inning with a walk. Rookie Dave Martinez ran for Davis and stole second, then was off to steal third when Cey singled to left.

Phillie left fielder Von Hayes picked up the ball, whirled and threw Martinez out easily at the plate.

“That was a Roberto Clemente play,” Michael said. “He made a Roberto Clemente turn and throw. That throw could have ended up in a water cooler somewhere.”

The Cubs came back from a 4-1 deficit, scoring two runs in the eighth and getting a solo home run from shortstop Shawon Dunston to start the ninth.

“I was just up there to get a base hit and get on,” said Dunston, who has eight home runs this season.