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Around the NL

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 4, 2001

On first pitch he sees, Sosa hits a home run

MESA, Ariz. -- Chicago's Sammy Sosa, who hadn't even taken live batting practice this spring, homered on the first pitch he saw against a Seattle split squad on Saturday.

"Not bad," Sosa said. "It felt great. First at-bat, first pitch. Wow!"

He just missed another homer, too, popping out to center in the fourth inning. He finished 1-for-2 with a walk before leaving in the top of the fifth.

"Live BP is somewhat overrated, I guess," manager Don Baylor said.

Cubs closer Tom Gordon looked sharp throwing batting practice. He threw 30 pitches, and Gary Matthews and Eric Hinske had trouble making contact.

"Everything's beautiful," said Gordon, who had Tommy John ligament replacement surgery in December 1999. "My arm feels outstanding."

ASTROS: Closer Billy Wagner pitched a scoreless fourth, his first action since tearing a left elbow tendon June 27.

BREWERS: Jeff D'Amico, expected to be the opening day starter, lasted one inning and allowed four runs -- one earned -- on three hits and two walks against a Cubs split squad.

DODGERS: GM Kevin Malone is reiterating that disgruntled Gary Sheffield will stay with the club unless the Dodgers get a "satisfactory deal." He said the Mets "are not serious players for Gary Sheffield," and intimated that Met GM Steve Phillips was trying to take advantage of L.A.'s predicament. Phillips responded with a smile: "He said we've showed no interest? I don't want to get into a back and forth. They're in a tough situation." ... Rightfielder Shawn Green's right thumb injury is more serious and he might miss a month.

GIANTS: Kurt Ainsworth, an Olympic gold medalist who has an outside chance at making the team, gave up two hits in two scoreless innings. Ainsworth, who was forced by his veteran teammates last week to wear his medal in the clubhouse, also doubled.

METS: Former Tampa Bay shortstop Mike Stocker signed a minor-league contract.

PADRES: Tony Gwynn is frustrated. He was 1-for-2 Saturday, but topped the ball to the right side of the infield both times. "I'm so anxious," he said.

REDS: Ken Griffey was not expected to make the trip to face former Seattle teammate Alex Rodriguez in today's game against Texas in Port Charlotte. ... Shortstop Barry Larkin missed his second game with a sore groin. ... Bobby Bradley threw too high on ball four of an intentional walk, allowing a run to score.

ROCKIES: Masato Yoshii, trying to beat out Ron Villone for the fifth spot in the rotation, gave up three runs on three hits in two innings against San Francisco. ... Pedro Feliz, competing with Russ Davis to start at third, let an easy grounder roll between his legs.

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