Must win Game 3 of the NLCS for the Cubs as they send Dennis Eckersley (10-8 3.03 Grade 10) to the mound versus Ed Whitson (14-8 3.24 Grade 11).
Cubs in a much win game strike first in the 5th as Bobby Dernier hits a homer down the left field line to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead. The would add another in the 6th as Jody Davis lines a single to score Gary Matthews. The Padres would answer as veteran Graig Nettles lines a homer to make it 2-1 Cubs.
In the top of the 7th the Cubs bats finally awoke. Dernier, Ryne Sandberg, and Matthews all reach base for Leon Durham. Durham would line the Dave Dravecky fastball over the fence in right for a grand slam homer and a commanding 6-1 lead. The Padres would try to get back in it with 2 in the 7th but Lee Smith would close the door and keep the Cubs playing another day.
Final Score: Cubs 7, Padres 3
WP: Dennis Eckersley (1-0)
LP: Ed Whitson (0-1)
Save: Lee Smith (1)
HR’s: Cubs – Bob Dernier (1), Leon Durham (1) Padres – Graig Nettles (1)
Game 4 starters are Scott Sanderson vs Tim Lollar