Gordon repays Mattingly's confidence

ST. LOUIS -- Prior to Wednesday's game, manager Don Mattingly voiced his confidence in Dee Gordon's abilities at the plate.

Gordon had batted just .175 through 19 games from May 4-26, his previous big league stint this season, but he backed Mattingly's conviction with a 2-for-4 night on Wednesday, driving home a run and scoring one himself.

"I feel I can hit," Gordon said. "I just kind of struggled. That's part of the game. This team needs to win, so I'm just going to help any way I can. I'm glad [Mattingly] has confidence in my hitting abilities."

With Hanley Ramirez nursing a jammed right shoulder, Gordon has assumed an increased role, and he was in the lineup at shortstop on Thursday for a second straight game.

"He's changed a little bit. He's gotten a little lower, and his hands are a little lower," Mattingly said. "He's made some adjustments. We'll see where it goes. It feels good to see him get on and really help us win last night."