They call themselves the “Stunt Men,” the group of veterans that Cubs general manager Jim Hendry brought in to solidify the bench and keep the clubhouse alive.
And when charter member Tom Goodwin smoked a ninth-inning home run Thursday night off Scott Sauerbeck to give the Cubs a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, his fellow reserves pounded on Goodwin from all sides, turning the dugout into a celebratory mosh pit.
Goodwin’s homer helped the first-place Cubs end a three-game losing streak as they headed for Houston and the final series of a two-week trip that currently has a 6-4 record.
Mike Remlinger (3-0) got the win, and Joe Borowski earned his eighth save.
“It was a struggle,” Cubs manager Dusty Baker said. “It’s been a struggle the last few days. Hopefully this will get us turned around.”
Goodwin entered Thursday’s game with a .147 batting average and only one RBI in 34 at-bats. But Baker put Goodwin in right field, into the leadoff spot and watched him go 3-for-5 with two runs scored.
Starter Matt Clement had his best outing in a month, allowing two solo home runs in seven innings, but was pulled after 90 pitches in a tie game.
– – –
Cubs at Astros
Season series: The Astros won
11-of-19 games last year.
Friday: Mark Prior (5-1, 2.02 ERA)
vs. Scott Linebrink (0-1, 3.71).
7:05 p.m.; Fox Sports Net,
WGN-AM 720
Saturday: Shawn Estes (4-3, 5.11)
vs. Tim Redding (3-3, 3.47). 6:05 p.m.; WGN-Ch. 9, WGN-AM 720
Sunday: Carlos Zambrano (4-4, 2.88) vs. Wade Miller (2-5, 5.01). 1:05 p.m.; WGN-Ch. 9,
WGN-AM 720
