Sanderson Stops Phils on One Hit : Work in Bullpen May Be Future of Right-hander

Scott Sanderson’s 2 innings of one-hit relief Monday may have earned the Chicago Cubs right-hander a part-time assignment in the bullpen.

Sanderson, making only his second appearance as a reliever this season, held Philadelphia in check to help the Cubs score a 7-4 victory over the Phillies. Lee Smith pitched the final inning to collect his 26th save.

Sanderson had relieved starter Ed Lynch, 5-4, with one out in the sixth after Glenn Wilson and Juan Samuel had singled, But, Sanderson, who pitched 1 perfect innings of relief in Cincinnati last Saturday, struck out John Russell and got Steve Jeltz on a fly ball.

“I’ve decided to give Scott a chance at middle relief after a not too good performance last week and from where I sit, he’s done an outstanding job,” said Cub manager Gene Michael.

“Not only do I think I’m going go give him more work the rest of the year, but I’m toying with the idea of letting him start next year and letting him relieve in key situations.”

While Leon Durham’s three-run homer and Keith Moreland’s two runs-batted in sparked the Cubs to victory, “it was watching my new rookie, Rafael Palmeiro, handle the bat that made me feel good,” Michael said.

Palmeiro, in his major league debut after driving in 95 runs in Class AA, got his first major league hit in the eighth, driving in Durham.

“I feel quite comfortable up here. I feel there’s very little difference because up here, let’s face it, the pitchers can’t hide the ball.”

Lynch allowed eight hits in 5 innings. Philadelphia starter Mike Maddux, 2-6, lasted just three innings, giving up five runs on four hits.

The Cubs jumped on Maddux in the first as Ryne Sandberg reached on an infield hit, Moreland singled and Durham followed with his 17th homer of the season.

The Phillies tied the score with a three-run third inning. Steve Jeltz reached on a one-out single, was sacrificed to second by Maddux and scored on Gary Redus’ single. Milt Thompson followed with his fifth homer of the season.

The Cubs scored two runs in the bottom of the inning.