Cubs pitcher Scott Downs kept the Royals bats cold, and beat Kansas City 3-1. Downs scattered seven hits over 7 and 2/3 innings for the win. The Cubs jumped on Royals starter Chad Durbin for two runs in the first inning, and that was all they needed. Durbin pitched well the rest of the way, allowing just one more run in seven innings. Sammy Sosa drove in a run with an RBI double in the first. Dave McCarty drove in the Royals’ only run, and he was robbed of a home run in the ninth by Cub centerfielder Damon Buford. The Royals did not give up a home run for the first time in 14 games. Blake Stein will start the series finale for the Royals tonight. The Cubs will go for the sweep behind Ismael Valdes.
