Cubs Sweep Padres in 4 Straight!

Chicago, Ill.
Game 1,

Holtzman wins second game

South paw Kenny Holtzman was just too much for the hitting friars today as he levels his record at 2-2. Holtzman's offspeed pitches and pin point location made it difficult for Padre hitters to get any good wood on the ball. Fred McGriff did find a fastball to his liking and crushed it into the stands for the only San Diego Tally.  Billy Williams, Glenn Beckert, and Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks each drove in a run as that was the only offense Chicago needed on a day when Holtzman was letter perfect.  Chuck Hartenstein had to come out and close matters in the ninth to notch his 4th save of the season.  Cubs 3 - Padres 1.

Game 2,
Another close pitchers duel in Chicago as Bruce Hurst and Fergie Jenkins gave fits to the batters all day. The Cubs scored a run in the 2nd inning but it did not stand as the boys from sunny southern California quickly plated two runs in the fourth inning on back to back doubles by Gwynn and McGriff. With two outs, reserve infielder Craig Shipley plated Tony Gwynn on a basehit up the middle.  It appeared that Hurst was cruising to another victory until Hurst lost his control and issued free passes to Billy Williams and Ron Santo. Santo and Williams were on second and third with 2 outs when Enie Banks strode to the plate. Mr. Cub came through big time with a solid single to right plating both Cub runners.  Jenkins struck out 11 batters and went the distance to improve to 7-2. Bruce Hurst took the hard luck loss and sinks to 5-4. Cubs 3 - Padres 2.

Santo's 2 run blast dismantles Friars

San Diego,
Game 3,
After two very close games, this one was a stinker. Chicago scored in only three innings but each of those scoring innings included three runs apiece.  Billy Williams(10), and Lee Thomas(1) homered to power the Cubs passed the Padres in the third game of the series. Adolfo Phillips collected three hits and drove in a pair to help lead a 14 hit Cub attack. The beneficiary of this offensive explosion was knuckle ball artist Joe Niekro.  Adam Peterson made his second start of the year for the Padres and also earned his second loss. Peterson served up nine runs, eight earned over five innings while Joe Niekro knuckled his way through seven innings and his fourth victory. Cubs 9 - Padres 4.

Game 4,
The Cubbies struck for gold in the 8th inning as they got to hard throwing Andy Benes for four runs.  San Diego was guarded a precarious 1-0 lead up till that point but it did not last.  Ron Santo crushed a 2 run clout to add in the cause which led to a four game white washing of the Padres.  San Diego watched their record plummet to 16-22 as Rich Nye hung around long enough for his 2nd victory on the campaign.  Cubs 4 - Padres 1.