Cuddyer enjoying race for NL batting title

SAN DIEGO -- Rockies veteran Michael Cuddyer fashioned a 27-game hitting steak earlier this season, partly because he didn't allow the weight and attention to affect him. He was not one of those players who shied away at talk of the streak out of superstition, and he generally had fun with it.

Cuddyer said he is taking the same attitude toward his push for the National League batting crown. Cuddyer is hitting .329 -- one point behind the Braves' Chris Johnson -- after he went 0-for-3 with an RBI groundout in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Padres.

"I just take it as it comes," Cuddyer said. "I'm not focused on having to go 2-for-3, 3-for-4. I want to try and execute when I step in the batter's box.

"I'm very happy with the way I've been able to be consistent. Your goal as a player is to give your team a chance, give a solid effort, regardless of the numbers. I've given full effort every day."