Goodwin Flashes Rare Power in Win

Dusty Baker was largely responsible for bringing utilityman Tom Goodwin to the Cubs. Even if it took six weeks to happen, Goodwin finally justified his manager’s confidence.

Goodwin hit a go-ahead solo homer in the ninth inning -- one night after failing in just such a situation -- and the Cubs ended a season-high losing streak at three by beating the Pirates, 3-2, Thursday night at Pittsburgh.

The teams split the rain-abbreviated two-game series. The Pirates have yet to win any of their eight series this season in PNC Park, where they are 7-17.

Goodwin, who played for Baker with the Giants last season, hit Scott Sauerbeck’s 2-and-2 pitch into the right-field seats with two out for only his 24th homer in 14 seasons. It was his fourth homer off a left-hander.

The night before, Goodwin struck out with the bases loaded and none out in the ninth, helping Mike Williams pitch out of a major jam as the Pirates held on to win, 5-2.

“It’s a funny game; sometimes you’ll wait only a night, sometimes you’ll wait for a year,” Goodwin said. “I got two in the series. I knew it was only a matter of time.”

Goodwin started Thursday only because right fielder Sammy Sosa is on the disabled list and Troy O’Leary got the night off.

“I know he felt badly after last night,” Baker said. “But I know he can play. He hit the ball hard five times tonight.”

Atlanta 9, Cincinnati 4 -- Javy Lopez homered twice and tripled, driving in three runs at Cincinnati as the Braves avoided a series sweep.

Before the game, the Reds put shortstop Barry Larkin on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right calf.

Montreal 8, Florida 2 -- Livan Hernandez pitched his first complete game for the Expos, and Endy Chavez hit a three-run double as the Expos completed a three-game sweep at Montreal.

The Expos got their 30th win in their 47th game, the fastest the team has reached 30 wins in its 35-year history. Montreal has won eight of 10.

New York 6, Philadelphia 3 -- Pinch-hitter Timo Perez delivered a two-out, two-run double to break a sixth-inning 3-3 tie at New York. Before the game, the Mets put infielder Jay Bell on the 15-day disabled list and transferred Mo Vaughn to the 60-day disabled list.

Houston 5, St. Louis 2 -- Jeriome Robertson won for the first time in a month, Jeff Kent had two RBI doubles and Adam Everett hit his first major league home run at Houston.