Mumphrey Is a Big Hit at Home : Cub Outfielder Beats Reds With Bases-Loaded Triple

Jerry Mumphrey can’t explain why he’s hitting .384 at Wrigley Field this year.

“I really like night baseball better,” said Mumphrey, who tripled with the bases loaded in the fourth inning to carry the Chicago Cubs to a 3-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds Friday.

“I actually see the ball better at night,” said Mumphrey, who also had a pair of singles to raise his batting average to .500 in his last 52 at bats at lightless Wrigley.

Chicago Manager Gene Michael, who managed Mumphrey when they were with the New York Yankees, said the left-handed batter has earned the leadoff position against right-handed pitchers.

Rookie left-hander Jamie Moyer (5-3) got the win despite giving up eight hits and five walks over 5 innings. Lee Smith pitched two scoreless innings at the end to gain his 24th save in 30 save opportunities this year.

“I was behind everybody,” Moyer said. “I don’t why, but I was getting by.”

Ted Power (4-6) was the loser in his first start since May 30, 1983.

The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Reds, while the Cubs ended a three-game losing streak.

Cincinati Manager Pete Rose said the game was frustrating for him.

“Most of our rallies were with two outs,” he said. “It was that kind of game, one pitch or one play was the difference almost every inning.”

The Cubs took a 3-0 lead in the fourth ining. Terry Francona singled, and after two outs and a wild pitch that sent Francona to second, Mike Martin was intentionally walked and pitcher Moyer got a base on balls to load the bases and set up Mumphrey’s triple to center field.

The Reds scored twice in the seventh. With two outs, Bo Diaz walked, pinch-hitter Eddie Milner singled and both advanced a base on reliever Ron Davis’ error covering first base. Then Nick Esasky delivered a two-run single to left field.