During Spring Training Cubs Manager Mike Quade named Ryan Dempster the Opening Day starter and the ace of the staff. It took Dempster about a month and a half to receive the message, but after an outing like Monday it is clear why he was Quade’s choice.
The Cubs (26-39) returned home after a miserable 2-8 trip to take game one of the four game series against their rivals from the North. The story in Monday’s game was the starting pitchers for both teams.
Ryan Dempster continued his domination of the Brewers (38-29). Although he didn’t figure in on the decision, Dempster went seven strong innings allowing no runs on just four hits. He also struck out seven. In his career, Dempster is 15-3 with an ERA of 2.60 against Milwaukee.
Randy Wolf was just as good for the Brewers. Wolf also went seven innings and allowed no runs on six hits. The Milwaukee lefty also struck out seven batters.
The lone run of the game was scored by Darwin Barney on a fielders choice. Jeff Samardzija, who pitched a perfect eighth inning, picked up the win to improve his record to 4-2 on the season. Kameron Loe (2-6) took the loss for the Brewers. Carlos Marmol finished the game earning his 13th save of the season.
Game two of the series is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Wrigley Field.