Wolf, Pierre lead Dodgers to 2-1 win over Cubs

[May 29, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Randy Wolf pitched impressively into the eighth inning and Ramon Troncoso wriggled out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night for their fourth straight win

Juan Pierre had two hits and scored a run for the Dodgers, who have the best record in baseball at 34-15.

The Cubs have lost nine of 11, and learned earlier in the day their ace Carlos Zambrano was suspended six games for his tirade during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. Zambrano said he won't appeal the penalty, which included a fine. Barring rainouts, he is eligible to return next Thursday.

Wolf (3-1) allowed one run on six hits. He struck out seven and walked one.

Troncoso pitched the ninth after Torre let him bat in the top of the inning. He gave up a leadoff infield hit to Milton Bradley and a single to Derrek Lee. The runners advanced on a groundout. Geovany Soto was intentionally walked to face Bobby Scales, who homered leading off the eighth to end Wolf's night. Toronsco struck him out.

Then Troncoso struck out Jake Fox, swinging at a pitch in the dirt, for his third save.

Reminiscent of last year's three-game sweep of the Cubs in their division series, the Dodgers got a strong outing from their starter.

Wolf kept Chicago batters in check with his breaking pitches. After giving up a leadoff single in the fifth, he struck out the side.

Wolf's lone mistake came in the eighth, when he allowed a leadoff homer to Scales on a 3-2 pitch. The homer ended Wolf's night and brought on Troncoso.

Scales was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, but was recalled before the game when Ryan Freel went on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain. It was Scales second pinch-hit homer of the season for the 31-year old rookie.

Troncoso gave up two hits in the eighth but got out of the inning with help from a double play grounder.

Pierre led off the game with a single and stole second. Then Rafael Furcal laid down a bunt that was out of the reach of third baseman Mike Fontenot. The ball rolled to the outfield grass and Pierre scored from second.

Furcal score on Casey Blake's groundout in the third inning. Furcal was back in the starting lineup after missing four games with pain in his left buttock.

In his fourth career start, Cubs rookie right-hander Randy Wells (0-2) pitched seven strong innings -- allowing two runs and scattering eight hits. He had seven strikeouts and walked one.

Dodgers second baseman Orlando Hudson had his 17-game hitting steak snapped.

Notes: Torre said there are no definitive plans for suspended OF Manny Ramirez when they get back to Los Angeles on Monday. "No, but I am assuming we will see him at some point, I'm not saying on an everyday basis. I have not talk to him," said Torre. ... RHP Hiroki Kuroda, on the DL with a left oblique strain, allowed seven runs and nine hits in five innings in a rehab assignment with Class A Inland on Wednesday. Torre said the club will make a decision on Kuroda's status after he throws a bullpen session on Friday. ... Cubs RHP Ted Lilly, who was ejected after arguing with umpire Bob Davidson from the dugout in Monday's win over the Pirates, was fined $1500.

[Associated Press]

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