NEW YORK -- It's the top of the eighth inning on a Thursday night in Queens. For the 30th time this season, Chicago Cubs lefty Tommy La Stella strolls to the plate to pinch hit, this time for pitcher Steve Cishek. And for the 16th time this year, La Stella reaches base, with a single off New York Mets right-hander Scott Copeland. It comes as no surprise to anyone in the dugout.
"He's the best I've ever seen at it," 37-year-old veteran Ben Zobrist said emphatically.