The Chicago Cubs lost 2-0 to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night, the second time during the three-game series that the team has been shutout in Petco Park. The Cubs have now lost eight consecutive games, including five losses in which they've scored no more than one run.
Jeff Samardzija pitched well for the Cubs in the series finale, giving the team seven innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts, but even that was one run too many. San Diego's Clayton Richard tossed a complete game shutout against the Cubs, allowing just five hits and two walks in a superb effort.
David DeJesus had two hits, plus Starlin Castro and Alfonso Soriano each got on base two times apiece, but the Cubs couldn't take advantage of their rare opportunities. Defensive miscues in the eighth inning allowed the Padres to add an insurance run on James Russell, but it hardly matters when you're putting up zeros every inning.
Will Venable finished the game with an RBI double and two walks in a nice effort for San Diego, plus Yonder Alonso and Chase Headley each smacked two hits for the Padres.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this series, visit Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue and Padres blog Gaslamp Ball. For more news and notes from around baseball, visit Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish.