The Chicago Cubs blanked an opponent for the second time this week in a 2-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday afternoon. Chicago also shutout the San Diego Padres on Monday in another Cactus League match-up.
With the Cubs' staff looking on in preparation of meeting later on Wednesday to discuss the alignment of the rotation for the beginning of the season, Jeff Samardzija was absolutely superb. The reliever-turned-starter gave the Cubs six scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and one walk, making quite the statement regarding his readiness to give starting full-time a shot.
Not needing much on offense, the Cubs came through with just enough despite getting ten hits. The Cubs only got two extra-base hits on the day, including a triple by Samardzija himself, and only walked once, so it was mostly a barrage of singles. A few finally got strung together in the sixth inning, allowing Chicago to get a pairs of runs and a lead that the bullpen could keep intact.
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