Cubs Blown a Bit Off Course in Loss to Phillies

There is one thing for certain when the wind is blowing out at Wrigley Field: Runs will be scored in bunches.

With a big breeze Wednesday at Chicago, neither starting pitcher made it through the third inning and the Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies were tied, 7-7, after four.

In a game featuring 36 hits and 11 pitchers, the Phillies slowed the Cubs’ drive to the National League East title with a 9-8 victory.

With the St. Louis Cardinals defeating the New York Mets, 5-3, the Cubs’ lead over the Cardinals was cut to three games.

Von Hayes drove in four runs for the Phillies and Ricky Jordan singled home the tie-breaking run in the sixth inning. It was similar to an Aug. 10 game, again in high wind, when the Phillies outlasted the Cubs, 16-13.

Manager Don Zimmer was so upset he held a 30-minute clubhouse meeting. Although he refused to talk about the meeting, Zimmer said he was concerned because his pitchers have been giving up too many runs.

Zimmer seems to be getting a little testy. “Can’t I hold a meeting without the whole world knowing about it?” he asked. “I’m not saying one word about it.”

Don Carman, a 15-game loser as a starter, gave up three hits and three walks, but no runs in 2 2/3 innings to get his fifth victory.

The wind wasn’t blowing directly out, it seemed to be merely blowing the ball away from fielders. Hayes hit the only home run, his 24th of the season.

Philadelphia rookie Pat Combs pitched well in two previous outings under normal conditions, but allowed four runs and nine hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Rick Sutcliffe of the Cubs, seeking his 16th victory, gave up six hits and four runs in 1 2/3 innings.

Ryne Sandberg drove in a run with his fourth hit of the game to get the Cubs close in the ninth. With runners on first and second, Roger McDowell got Mark Grace to bounce into a double play.

Darren Daulton of the Phillies went five for five and did not score a run or drive one in.