Dempster sharp as Cubs blank Padres
Posted: Thu May 15 5:15 PM
Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Ryan Dempster threw into the ninth inning, had a career-high 12 strikeouts and singled in a run, as the NL Central-leading Cubs blanked the San Diego Padres, 4-0, in the finale of a four-game series.
Derrek Lee highlighted a four-run fifth inning with a two-run double for Chicago, which is 6-1 on its current homestand and has captured 12 of its last 15 at Wrigley Field.
Dempster (5-1), who worked the previous three years as the closer for the Cubs, allowed six hits and one walk. He was nearing his third career shutout, but was removed with one out in the ninth. Kerry Wood struck out the final two batters for his eighth save.
"He's got a good combination of pitches and today he was throwing strike one, getting ahead of the hitters," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said of Dempster. "That's really a key for him."
Aramis Ramirez had three of Chicago's 13 hits.
Greg Maddux (3-4), possibly making his final Wrigley Field appearance, was charged with 11 hits and four runs over 4 1/3 innings. The four-time Cy Young Award winner, who captured his landmark 350th victory last Saturday versus Colorado, slipped to 13-3 versus the Cubs, the team with which he began his Hall of Fame caliber career. He received a standing ovation after he left the game.
"It was nice, and I really appreciate it," Maddux said. "But I was too (upset) at the time to appreciate it. But it was cool. People here are special. The fans are such a big part of Wrigley Field. That is part of what makes this place a special place to play."
Brian Giles had three hits for the Padres, losers in eight of their last 11 games.
"We did not get a lot of people on board against Dempster," Padres manager Bud Black said. "Just six hits and one walk. He did a great job of getting the leadoff man out. We could not get anything going against him early in an inning."
Dempster retired 15 straight batters until walking Jody Gerut with two down in the sixth. However, Tadahito Iguchi then struck out looking to end the inning.
The Cubs put together the big rally the previous inning. Ronny Cedeno and Henry Blanco singled before Dempster's base hit to left made it 1-0. Alfonso Soriano made it four straight singles to load the bases, and Ryan Theriot lofted a sacrifice fly to right. Lee followed with his hit to the gap in left- center.
The Padres put two runners on in the eighth, but Iguchi fanned to end the threat.
Dempster's previous career-high in strikeouts was 11, but he surpassed that in the ninth, fanning Adrian Gonzalez. Giles, who led off with a double, went to third on Kevin Kouzmanoff's single. Wood then came in and struck out Khalil Greene and then got pinch-hitter Josh Bard looking at a third strike to finish the game.
"A little bit of motivation for down the road," Dempster said of going for the shutout. "Hopefully, eventually next time I'll get myself in a situation to be able to finish the game. But Woody came in and did a great job, got the save and I was happy."
Veteran outfielder Jim Edmonds, who was released by the Padres last Friday before signing with the Cubs on Wednesday, made his debut with his new team and started in center. He went 1-for-4 with a single in the second inning. Game Notes
Dempster is 6-3 lifetime against the Padres...The Cubs host Pittsburgh for a three-game series this weekend, while the Padres play at Seattle...The Cubs left nine men on base and San Diego stranded seven...Dempster stumbled to the ground in the sixth inning after putting down a sacrifice bunt. After bunting, Dempster tripped on the foot of catcher Luke Carlin.
