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bsmart17 · 07-07-2014, 09:46 AM

Samardzija blanks Pirates in two-hit shutout

PITTSBURGH- Jeff Samardzija allowed just two hits and threw a complete game shutout and was backed by more the enough run support as the Chicago Cubs won their season opener, 6-0, over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Samardzija struck out seven and walked just two while not allowing a runner past second base. His one mistake was a one-out double to Jose Tabata in the sixth, but he worked around it by striking out Andrew McCutchen- the reigning National League MVP.

"I didn't know how I was going to react to starting on Opening Day," Samrdzija said. "But it felt great."

The Cubs jumped ahead in the first inning against AJ Burnett. Anthony Rizzo hit a single through the right side of the infield to score Brett Lillibridge, and Alfonso Soriano followed with two-run home run that just cleared the fence in left.

After giving up a two-out single in the first, Samardzija beared down and retired the next 15 in order. He picked up more run support in the fifth, when Soriano grounded out with the bases loaded to score Starlin Castro from third.

"He was just dominant," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "When you have a guy like that on the mound, there isn't much you can do. He's one of the best."

Burnett gave way to Jose Contreas in the eighth, and he was greeted rudely by Wellington Castillo. Castillo hit a two-run home run to straightaway center field after Nate Schierholtz drew a leadoff walk. It carried 440 feet and put the Cubs up for good.

Chicago's offense was paced by Rizzo, who reached base four of the five times he was up with three hits. Soriano drove in three runs, and Samardzija helped his own case by picking up a pair of singles. Everyone except for David Dejesus picked up a hit.

"We saw the ball well today," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "Burnett is a good pitcher who throws strikes, and we made it our focus to make good contact and it paid off."

Tomorrow, the Cubs send Edwin Jackson to the mound against Wandy Rodriguez in game two of a three game set. Jackson is coming off an 8-18 season where he finished with a 4.98 ERA, his highest mark since 2007 with Tampa Bay.

"Edwin has struggled with his command," Sveum finished. "But we made it a focus during Spring Training and we're hoping he can have a good start tomorrow night to build on."

Chicago improved to 1-0 on the young season.

07-07-2014, 09:46 AM	#6
bsmart17 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Vermont Posts: 89	Samarzija blanks Pirates in two-hit shutout Samardzija blanks Pirates in two-hit shutout PITTSBURGH- Jeff Samardzija allowed just two hits and threw a complete game shutout and was backed by more the enough run support as the Chicago Cubs won their season opener, 6-0, over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Samardzija struck out seven and walked just two while not allowing a runner past second base. His one mistake was a one-out double to Jose Tabata in the sixth, but he worked around it by striking out Andrew McCutchen- the reigning National League MVP. "I didn't know how I was going to react to starting on Opening Day," Samrdzija said. "But it felt great." The Cubs jumped ahead in the first inning against AJ Burnett. Anthony Rizzo hit a single through the right side of the infield to score Brett Lillibridge, and Alfonso Soriano followed with two-run home run that just cleared the fence in left. After giving up a two-out single in the first, Samardzija beared down and retired the next 15 in order. He picked up more run support in the fifth, when Soriano grounded out with the bases loaded to score Starlin Castro from third. "He was just dominant," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "When you have a guy like that on the mound, there isn't much you can do. He's one of the best." Burnett gave way to Jose Contreas in the eighth, and he was greeted rudely by Wellington Castillo. Castillo hit a two-run home run to straightaway center field after Nate Schierholtz drew a leadoff walk. It carried 440 feet and put the Cubs up for good. Chicago's offense was paced by Rizzo, who reached base four of the five times he was up with three hits. Soriano drove in three runs, and Samardzija helped his own case by picking up a pair of singles. Everyone except for David Dejesus picked up a hit. "We saw the ball well today," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "Burnett is a good pitcher who throws strikes, and we made it our focus to make good contact and it paid off." Tomorrow, the Cubs send Edwin Jackson to the mound against Wandy Rodriguez in game two of a three game set. Jackson is coming off an 8-18 season where he finished with a 4.98 ERA, his highest mark since 2007 with Tampa Bay. "Edwin has struggled with his command," Sveum finished. "But we made it a focus during Spring Training and we're hoping he can have a good start tomorrow night to build on." Chicago improved to 1-0 on the young season.