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GAME LOG
CHICAGO (AP) -- Cubs pitcher Ismael Valdes has tried lotions, iodine, Vitamin C and even pickle juice -- and he still gets blisters.
On Saturday, a nasty blister on his right middle finger broke
after the first inning. Valdes stayed in the game for three innings
and drove in the only run with an RBI single to lead the Chicago
Cubs to a 1-0 victory over the Montreal Expos.
"The pitcher gets the game-winning RBI and he's not around to
collect the win. That's a little bizarre," Cubs manager Don Baylor
said.
It's also becoming a nuisance, Baylor said. Because the blisters
are a recurring problem, the Cubs bullpen has to be on alert
whenever Valdes starts.
"Every time he pitches, you're holding your breath," Baylor
said. "He's tried all kinds of formulas, iodine, Vitamin C. I
don't know if it's time to take him out of the rotation."
As of now, Valdes is still in. His grip on his curve and slider
is causing the blisters, which may occur every start but also heal
quickly.
"Normally, I get them in the fourth or fifth innings," said
Valdes, who has been forced out of at least a couple starts this
season and had similar problems when he pitched for the Los Angeles
Dodgers. "I think I'll go my next start. I'm going to think
positive."
Baylor, who also has to make a decision on whether to keep
struggling Kerry Wood in the rotation, said he'll wait a few days
to see how Valdes heals.
Valdes gave up three hits and walked four over three innings,
striking out one. He also hit an RBI single in the second, and
started an inning-ending double play in the third.
The bullpen saved Valdes. Steve Rain (1-0), called up Triple-A
Iowa on Friday, picked up his first major league win, pitching
three innings of scoreless relief. He gave up three hits and struck
out two.
"I was just down there chewing seeds. I had to spit them out,"
Rain said. "It was a quick `Rain, you're in."'
"I didn't know how long he could go," Baylor said of Rain, who
came into the game with a career 9.20 ERA in 16 major league
appearances last year. "It's the best I've ever seen him throw."
Felix Heredia retired one batter, Tim Worrell pitched one inning
and Rick Aguilera pitched the ninth for his 15th save in 19
opportunities and his ninth save in a row.
It was the Cubs' first 1-0 win since Sept. 1 at San Diego.
The Cubs, who entered the game last in the NL in ERA, pitched
their second shutout of the season. A 13 mph wind blowing in from
center field helped knock down a few hard-hit fly balls.
Dustin Hermanson (5-4) took the loss, giving up one run on three
hits and three walks over six innings while striking out three. He was the opening night starter and substituted as
the Expos closer May 12-31. "Our guy was very good. He's in good spirits again because he's
a starter," Montreal manager Felipe Alou said.
"My strength is there," Hermanson said. "I was stronger at
the end. I thought I hit my spots great today. Instead of trying to
blow the ball by guys, I stayed away from the middle of the
plate."
With one out in the Cubs second, Joe Girardi reached second on a
throwing error by shortstop Orlando Cabrera, whose throw sailed
into the seats behind the visitor's dugout. One out later, Jeff
Huson was intentionally walked and Valdes singled to score Girardi.
The Expos loaded the bases with one out in the third, but Valdes
got Vladimir Guerrero to line out back to the mound. Valdes' throw
to first baseman Mark Grace was in time to get Rondell White for a
double play.
Baserunning blunders in the first inning also hurt the Expos.
Peter Bergeron was caught stealing after a leadoff single. Jose
Vidro then walked but was picked off at first base.
"We are behind last year in every aspect of baserunning," Alou
said.
Game notes
Baylor said he will decide Monday or Tuesday whether Wood
will get an extra day between starts so he can have an additional
side day. Wood's arm is fine, Baylor said, but his command is off.
... Valdes is batting .333 (4-for-12) with two RBI. ... Four
members of the Chicago Wolves hockey team, winners of the IHL
Turner Cup, which they brought to Wrigley Field, sang the
seventh-inning stretch.
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