Chi Cubs (24-24) at LA Dodgers (26-23)
Preview - Box Score - Recap
Game Info: 8:10 pm EDT Mon May 30, 2005
TV: ESPN, FSN2         Add to Calendar
Buy Tickets
Starting Pitchers
Player Photo
G. Maddux
ChC         vs.         Player Photo
W. Álvarez
LAD
2-3         Record         1-2
4.33         ERA         4.61
38         K         7
11         BB         2
9         HR         3
Cesar Izturis is having quite a season at Dodger Stadium.

He hopes to continue that success as Los Angeles starts a 13-game homestand with the first of three against the Chicago Cubs.

The 25-year-old shortstop has thrived at home this season, hitting .351 (33-for-94) with 15 runs scored in 23 games. Izturis leads the majors with 26 multi-hit efforts overall.

Izturis went 3-for-5 and five different Dodgers drove in a run as Los Angeles posted a 6-3 victory at Arizona on Sunday to complete a 3-3 road trip. Closer Eric Gagne recorded the final out for his third straight save in as many appearances.

``I'm very, very satisfied with what I saw today,'' manager Jim Tracy said. ``I think it's a good ballgame from that standpoint to build on.''

ADVERTISEMENT
Los Angeles received some bad news when center fielder Milton Bradley sprained his right ring finger in his final at-bat. X-rays were negative, but Tracy said he didn't know if Bradley would start Monday.

``I can move it around,'' Bradley said, ``but it's just real tender right now.''

Los Angeles has dropped four straight series at home, winning just four of their last 12 at Chavez Ravine.

Chicago is beginning a seven-game road trip as it searches for a season-high fourth straight win. The Cubs posted an 11-6 victory over Colorado on Sunday behind four RBIS apiece from Aramis Ramirez and Jeromy Burnitz.

Ramirez has been hampered by a sore groin and back this season. The third baseman was 7-for-17 as the Cubs took three of four from the Rockies.

``I knew he was going to hit sooner or later,'' Cubs manager Dusty Baker said of Ramirez. ``He's starting to come alive, see the ball better and see better pitches. I'm just glad to see it happening.''

Greg Maddux tries for his first win since May 10 when he starts the Cubs on Monday. Maddux is 0-2 with a 5.49 ERA over his last three outings.

Maddux gave up five runs and eight hits over 7 2-3 innings on Wednesday against Houston in a 5-1 loss. The Cubs have scored a total of six runs during his winless stretch.

``I'll just pitch and see what happens,'' Maddux said. ``I'll get ready for my next start and go from there.''

The four-time NL Cy Young Award winner is 4-5 with a 3.49 ERA in 13 career starts at Dodger Stadium. Maddux is 11-7 with a 2.86 ERA in 29 career starts against Los Angeles.