CINCINNATI, 20 June 2003 — Sammy Sosa homered, singled and drove in two runs on his return following a seven-game suspension to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 4-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in the National League on Wednesday.
Sosa hit his seventh home run of the season and first since May 1, a span of 69 at-bats, off Jimmy Haynes in the fifth inning.
Once arguably baseball’s most popular slugger, Sosa’s homer was greeted with boos from the sellout crowd of 39,053 at the Great American Ballpark. He was also greeted with chants of “Cork!” in his other at-bats.
Sosa was suspended for using a corked bat in a game at Wrigley Field June 2.
“Whatever happened in the past is in the past,” Sosa told reporters. “I’m the type of person who likes to go forward, that’s my philosophy.
“I’m getting over it like everybody. I’m a tough man, I pray every night to God. I’m strong physically, mentally.”
Kerry Wood (6-5) pitched a complete game three-hitter for the Cubs, striking out nine and walking none while also driving in a run. Mark Grudzielanek had three hits and drove in a run for Chicago.
Haynes (1-6) allowed four runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. Jose Guillen homered for the Reds.
Dodgers 8 Giants 2
In Los Angeles, Paul Lo Duca and Alex Cora both drove in two runs as the streaking Dodgers won their eighth straight game by downing the San Francisco Giants 8-2.
The Dodgers moved within one game of San Francisco for first place in the NL West while handing the Giants their third consecutive loss.
Kazuhisa Ishii (7-2) went six innings for the win, allowing one unearned run on two hits with three strikeouts and six walks.
Pirates 7 Expos 3
In Pittsburgh, Aramis Ramirez, Kenny Lofton and Reggie Sanders homered to lead the Pirates past the Montreal Expos 7-3 in the first game of a doubleheader.
Jeff D’Amico (5-7) went six innings for the win, allowing two runs on six hits. Mike Williams picked up the last two outs for his 19th save of the season.
In the nightcap, the Pirates completed the sweep by scoring twice in the bottom of the ninth on a two-run double from Josh Kendall to win 4-3.
Salomon Torres (4-1) allowed one run on one hit in the ninth but still recorded the victory, Pittsburgh’s fourth straight.
Cardinals 9 Brewers 1
In Milwaukee, Eduardo Perez homered, had three hits and drove in two runs as the St Louis Cardinals routed the Brewers 9-1.
Albert Pujols had four hits for the Cards, who led 8-0 after two innings. Miguel Cairo had three RBI for St. Louis while Jason Simontacchi allowed one run on seven hits over seven innings for the win.
Glendon Rusch (1-11) was clobbered for eight runs on six hits in one-plus innings. Eddie Perez homered for Milwaukee.
Mets 10 Marlins 5
In Miami, Jose Reyes drove in four runs to help the New York Mets past the Florida Marlins 10-5.
Roger Cedeno drove in two runs for the Mets, who had 13 hits. Al Leiter (8-3) allowed five runs on six hits over five innings to record the win despite walking six, while Dan Wheeler pitched three shutout innings for his first save of the season.
Braves 6 Phillies 1
In Philadelphia, Robert Fick drove in three runs as Atlanta beat former Braves favorite Kevin Millwood and the Phillies 6-1. Russ Ortiz (8-4) allowed four hits over six shutout innings, striking out three and walking three.
Gary Sheffield homered and drove in two runs for Atlanta.
Millwood (8-5) gave up four runs on eight hits over five innings.
Diamondbacks 2 Astros 1
In Houston, Luis Gonzalez homered and Quinton McCracken had an RBI single in the top of the ninth inning to rally the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 2-1 win over the Astros.
Oscar Villarreal (5-4) pitched a scoreless inning of relief for the victory while Jose Valverde pitched the ninth for his fourth save of the season.
Houston’s Billy Wagner (1-3) allowed the two late runs, failing to protect a 1-0 lead earned by Jeff Kent’s homer.
Rockies 5 Padres 3
In Denver, Shawn Chacon pitched 6 2/3 solid innings to land his 10th win of the season as the Colorado Rockies overcame the San Diego Padres 5-3.
Chacon (10-3) allowed two runs on five hits to become baseball’s fifth 10-game winner. Justin Speier tossed a scoreless ninth for his first save of the season while Chris Stynes homered and had two hits.
Kevin Jarvis (0-1) went five innings, giving up five runs on nine hits. Xavier Nady had two hits and drove in a run for San Diego.
