Cubs Win, 6-4, as Dunston Foils Phillies Again

For the second straight day Tuesday, Shawon Dunston came through for the Chicago Cubs, this time with a two-out bases-loaded single off Steve Bedrosian to cap a four run rally and earn the Cubs a 6-4 decision over the Philadelphia Phillies.

On Monday, Dunston hit a two-run homer to beat Philadelphia, and he has hit in 18 of 19 games.

The Cubs now have won four straight and 10 of their last 13 games.

“I made up my mind to swing at Bedrosian’s first pitch no matter where it was,” Dunston said. “He got me out on a slider in Philadelphia last week, so I guessed right on a fast ball and I was right. I swung where the ball was pitched and it landed in center field.”

Dunston’s sixth game winner and 41st and 42d RBI sent home pinch-hitter Mark Grace and Dave Martinez to break the 4-4 deadlock.

Earlier, Martinez doubled with two out off the right field wall to score Andre Dawson and Vance Law. Grace, who hit for Manny Trillo, walked on a 3-2 pitch to load the bases.

“I did not think Bedrosian would pitch me inside, but would try to make me hit the ball to left field,” Martinez said. “When he threw me a slider inside, though, I was ready.”

With Grace at third and Martinez at second, Phillies acting manager John Vukovich elected to intentionally walk Mumphrey. Mumphrey, hitting for Mike Capel, 2-1, had a 2-0 count before Vukovich made his decision.

Vukovich was making the Phillies’ decisions since Lee Elia was ejected earlier.

“I don’t care if Mumphrey was only 2-28 as a pinch-hitter,” Vukovich said. “I had him in Chicago where he batted .361 last year. I asked Bedrosian what he thinks, and he said if he falls behind Mumphrey, he’d rather pitch to Dunston.”

Les Lancaster pitched the ninth for his third save.