The Chicago Cubs shut out an opponent for the seventh time this season on Sunday, defeating the New York Mets 7-0 at Citi Field. The Cubs are hitting their peak as they enter the All-Star break; since June 25, the Cubs have won nine of their past 13 games to get out of the National League cellar.
Returning from the disabled list, Cubs starter Ryan Dempster looked solid over five innings, allowing just four hits and zero walks while striking out four hitters. The Cubs then brought in a parade of relievers to finish off the game, blanking the Mets over all nine frames.
Mets starter Jon Niese lasted seven innings, but he managed to allow seven runs before leaving. Starlin Castro led the way for the Cubs offense, going 2-for-4 with a three-run homer in the seventh inning that nearly put the game out of reach for New York.
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