Hendricks' great sacrifice noticed by Cubs

CHICAGO -- In the second inning Saturday night, Kyle Hendricks successfully executed a sacrifice bunt. It was the first by a Cubs pitcher this season.

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"We wanted the ball," Cubs manager Joe Maddon joked of the potential souvenir.

"Everybody was going crazy in the dugout, so that was kind of funny," Hendricks said Sunday of his success. "It felt like I [hit a home run]. I'm thinking, 'This is what we're supposed to do.' I know Joe isn't a big sacrifice guy to begin with ... but when we get the opportunities, we have to get them down more, as a staff."

Maddon and the Cubs were even more happy with Hendricks' outing. The right-hander held the Reds to one run on four hits over five efficient innings, throwing 57 pitches. But rain interrupted the game, and Hendricks did not return after a delay of 2 hours and 48 minutes. He also did not get a decision, as the Reds tied the game when play resumed.

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"I felt good with my mechanics and staying in my lane, and my fastball was down with some movement," Hendricks said. "The rain kind of [stunk] -- I wanted to go longer. You never know what could happen the third time through the lineup. You just have to move forward."

Hendricks has yet to pick up a win at Wrigley in five starts, although the Cubs are 4-1 in his games.

"I've got to break that," Hendricks said. "I have to maybe burn a glove or something -- some kind of jinx is going on."