Cubs Down Dodgers, Get on Winning Track

Off to a stumbling start to the season, the Lovable Losers take their first series in a while, bouncing back from a Game 1 drubbing to win the next two from the pennant-contending Dodgers. The Cubs move to a still-miserable 10-16, while LA drops to 15-11. Ernie "Mr. Cub" Banks pounds two HRs in the series (2, 3), while Alfonso Phillips continues to place among the MLB RBI leaders with 25 on the season.

Game 1: LAD 14, CHIC 7
W: Grant (1-1)
L: Nye (1-4)

Neither LA starter Claude Osteen (GameScore 15) not Cubs hurler Rich Nye (21) have much to offer, but Jim "Mudcat" Grant and three other relievers bail out the Dodgers. LA first-bagger Wes Parker continues to rip for LA,  hitting for the cycle in this game.

Game 2: CHIC 7, LAD 3
W: J. Niekro (3-2)
L: Sutton (1-2)

Wes Parker hits for the cycle and is batting .347.

Don Sutton gives up the long ball to Banks and Ron Santo (4) and Joe Niekro does the rest with a nifty five-hitter under threatening weather conditions on the North Side.

Game 3: CHIC 6, LAD 3
W: Holtzman (2-1)
L: Singer (2-3)
S: Regan (2)

Three more Cubs' taters, including Phillip's fifth, doom Bill Singer and the Dodgers. 22-year-old Kenny Holtzman washes out the Dodger blue, while Phil Regan snuffs out a ninth-inning rally.