The Dodgers have lost six of their last seven games, including a pair of double-headers in St. Louis. They have suffered through eight hours of rain delays.
”I`m feeling the effects of it and I`m not even playing,” said Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda. ”Those guys are tired both physically and mentally.” Regarding Saturday`s 7-0 loss, Lasorda said: ”They handed us a knockout blow early. A guy (Ryne Sandberg) comes off the disabled list, and his first time up we hang him a curve in a bad area.”
Regarding winning pitcher Steve Trout: ”The guy shut us out in this ballpark with the wind blowing out like that. That`s pretty difficult to do.” Rick Sutcliffe said he is not ticked off about not getting the starting assignment for Tuesday`s All-Star game. National League manager Davey Johnson of the Mets said Houston`s Mike Scott will start.
”I`m just glad to be there,” said Sutcliffe. ”It really doesn`t bother me at all. I might even get an inning of relief Sunday.”
Actor Mark Harmon, who is represented by the same attorney (Barry Axelrod) as Sutcliffe, attended Saturday`s game.
Sandberg sees a special significance in Sunday`s final game before the All-Star break.
”We`d definitely like to end the first half on a winning streak of some kind. But we`re still in the picture for the second half. We`ve got a lot of baseball left and I don`t think we`ve really played up to our ability so far. For a month or so in the second half I think we can gain some ground.”
Cubs President Dallas Green feels proud to see the turnaround in Sutcliffe, who was 5-14 last year.
”I think Rick has convinced himself in his own mind that he`s not hurt and that he`s a good pitcher,” said Green. ”He`s starting to work faster and he`s starting to get a feel of the flow of the game. Sut will listen. He`s a bit stubborn, but he will listen. I`m pleased to see the success that he`s had.”
