Torre admits to Game 4 'superstition'

The Cubs might be the franchise caught up in curses, but it was Joe Torre who didn't want to jinx anything Thursday night at Wrigley Field before Game 2 of the National League division series.

The Dodgers manager won't confirm Derek Lowe as his Game 4 starter until he in fact knows there is going to be a Game 4.

And the way things are going, he might never need to.

"I'm still superstitious in that regard to name a Game 4 starter before I knew there was going to be one," Torre said. "At least we hope there isn't a Game 4."

If Rich Harden can keep the Cubs season alive Saturday, it appears Torre's choices would be either his Game 1 starter Lowe or future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux.

Torre said he would not throw rookie lefty Clayton Kershaw, whom he needs in his bullpen, which is without sidelined Hong-Chih Kuo.

"At this point in time we have not made any commitment," Torre said.

Lowe has been as good as any pitcher the last two months. He won Game 1 allowing 2 runs in 6 innings throwing 94 pitches.

Lowe went 3-0 in September with an 0.59 ERA.

"We know he is capable (of pitching on three days' rest)," Torre said. "I mean, with that type of pitcher with a sinker ball probably would. You'd keep an eye on him as far as how many pitches and stuff like that, but I think he could do it."