Scales continues his surprising start

After 11 years in the minors, Bobby Scales has made all the right steps since the Chicago Cubs called him up last week. He had a pair of two-run doubles in Thursday’s 11-3 victory over the San Diego Padres, giving him at least one hit in each of his six games and lifting his average to .444.

“Scalesie is swinging the bat,” Manager Lou Piniella said. “He wants some playing time. He’s taking advantage of it. It’s a nice story.”

Adrian Gonzalez homered for the fourth consecutive game but couldn’t prevent San Diego from losing its 11th straight on the road. Afterward, Padres Manager Bud Black held a brief closed-door meeting.

Since getting off to a 10-6 start, the Padres are 3-16.