|
|
|
|
|
|
Vina Becomes Double (Play) Threat Against Cubs
Rick Hummel of the Post-Dispatch
May 13, 2001
If Fernando Vina doesn't stop this, the Chicago Cubs are liable to hit him again.
Vina drew the ire of the Cubs - and his own manager - for stealing third base in the sixth inning of a 7-2 Cardinals victory Friday. He invoked the discontent of only the Cubs on Saturday.
Besides pivoting three double plays in the first four innings, Vina doubled twice, scored one run and drove in another as the Cardinals won 5-2.
The night before, Cubs pitcher Courtney Duncan hit Vina with a pitch. Tony La Russa had yelled at Vina for stealing third when the "hold" sign was on.
On Saturday, La Russa said of Vina, "He's the best in baseball at turning double plays."
Vina's best of the three was when Billy Mueller, who was running on the pitch, was bearing down on him in the first inning.
"He was right there," Vina said, "but I told myself I was going to hang in there and turn it. I love turning the ones that are tough - that people don't think you're going to turn, the ones that come out of nowhere.
"I take pride in it. Those double plays are rally killers. That takes a lot of air out of the other team."
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
|
| |
