Sosa’s Double a Winner for Cubs

Sammy Sosa got something nearly as satisfying as that elusive 60th homer--a game-winning hit.

After going hitless in his first four at-bats, Sosa doubled off the base of the wall in right-center field in the ninth inning Thursday night, driving in two runs to give the Chicago Cubs a 7-6 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Cincinnati.

Although Sosa just missed a record-setting homer--he even gave a little hop after it left the bat hoping it was out--he gave the Cubs a breakthrough victory.

The Cubs took two of three from the Reds, their first series win since July 21-22. It was only their 10th win in 45 games.

“That double was unbelievable,” Sosa said, fully enjoying his handiwork. “I was looking for that one. That means more than the home run.”

The home run most likely will come at Wrigley Field, where the Cubs return for a weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Sosa hit No. 60 there last year against Milwaukee and probably will become the first to reach 60 twice with his next homer.

The game-winning double was a good lead-in to what promises to be a historic homestand.

“That was a great win,” Sosa said. “That was something that made me feel great. I can go home and enjoy it.”

It was a costly blown save by Danny Graves (8-7). With the rest of the National League contenders idle, the Reds could have gained half a game. Instead, they slipped to 3 1/2 behind the Houston Astros in the National League Central and three behind the New York Mets for the wild card.

Trying to hold a 5-4 lead, Graves gave up a one-out single to Lance Johnson and then walked Shane Andrews on four pitches. Mark Grace patted Sosa before he left the on-deck circle and headed to the plate.

“I told him, ‘You’re the man,’ ” Grace said. “He thinks Mark McGwire’s the man. I’ve got to pump him up, remind him a little bit. He just missed getting 60.”

The Reds gave up Sosa’s 58th and 59th homers last week in Chicago. They gave him little to hit throughout the series, but had no choice but to pitch to him with the game on the line in the ninth.

“We always find a way to walk the guys in front of Sosa and it hurt us tonight,” Reds’ Manager Jack McKeon said. “You’re playing with dynamite.”

San Francisco 6, Florida 5--The Giants won their fifth in a row, completing a three-game sweep at San Francisco.

Marvin Benard homered and drove in two runs as the Giants, who have won 22 of 29, sent Florida to its seventh loss in a row.

Bronswell Patrick (1-0) got the win in his Giant debut, pitching two scoreless innings of relief.