Johnson hit again as Cubs top Braves

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-14  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE Chicago Cubs won their 11th consecutive game at Wrigley Field when Reed Johnson was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th inning, forcing in the winning run in a 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Atlanta reliever Jeff Ridgway entered the game with the bases loaded and no outs and plunked Johnson in the back of the leg, allowing Aramis Ramirez to score the winning run.

Johnson has a reputation for getting hit by pitches on a regular basis, but he told reporters it was the first walk-off hit by pitch in his career.

"That's the first one ever, but it's probably the best-feeling one I've ever had," Johnson said.

"I think if that ball doesn't hit me, it probably goes to the backstop. It hit me in the back leg, and I don't know if (Braves catcher Brian) McCann could've gotten over there to block it."

Chicago is now 29-8 at home this season and leads the National League Central by 3-1/2 games over the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cubs have the best record in the major leagues this season, which marks the 100th anniversary of their last World Series win.

"I don't believe that things go your way. I believe that you make things go your way." Chicago manager Lou Piniella said.

"These kids are playing good baseball."

Jeff Francoeur hit a two-run homer in the second inning to stake the Braves to an early lead, but Jim Edmonds rallied the Cubs with a seventh inning sacrifice fly and a solo homer in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game.

Kerry Wood (3-1) picked up the win with two shutout innings of relief.

Elsewhere, veteran Philadelphia pitcher Jamie Moyer took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, extending his dominance over Florida and giving the Phillies a 3-0 win over the Marlins in the National League.

Elsewhere, it was: Reds 6, Cardinals 2; Brewers 9, Astros 6; Diamondbacks 5, Mets 4, 10 innings; Padres 9, Dodgers 0; and Pirates 7, Nationals 5; and Giants 10, Rockies 7.

In the American League, Mike Lowell hit his second grand slam of the season to trigger the Boston Red Sox to yet another home win, beating the Baltimore Orioles 9-2 in the American League.

Also, it was: Yankees 4, Athletics 1; Tigers 2, White Sox 1; Indians 12, Twins 2; and Royals 6, Rangers 5.