Big hits give Cubs' Ward something to smile about

Despite entering Monday with a .208 batting average, Daryle Ward was smiling again.

The Cubs' veteran pinch hitter delivered twice over the weekend, getting an RBI single Saturday and a 2-run double Sunday that proved to be the game-winner.

Going into Saturday, however, Ward was 0-for-14 as a pinch hitter even though he had hit some balls hard.

"It was hard to stay positive," he said. "I was wondering when was going to be my next opportunity to get some more at-bats to where I could feel comfortable in the batter's box. I got into some games where we were blowing some teams out.

"There was a game against the Reds where we were kind of getting it handed to us, and I got a couple at-bats that game. That helped out a lot. I got a good feel of my setup in the batter's box. I even closed my stance up a little bit to make me feel a little bit more comfortable."

Despite his low batting average heading into Monday, Ward had a good on-base percentage of .406, fueled by 8 walks. He had a strong spring training after getting 11 pinch hits last year.

The strong spring figured to lead to a good start to the regular season.

"Even when I started the season, I was hitting the ball really good, but I just couldn't get it away from the defense," he said. "You're like, 'Man, those are good swings.' The only thing you can do is keep swinging like that."

And about the pink bat he used for the big hit Sunday? Pink was the color of the day as the Cubs did their part to raise awareness for breast cancer.

"I'm keeping it because my grandmother had breast cancer, and I'm keeping it for her," he said.