Jeff Samardzija Pitches 2-Hit Shutout Against White Sox

Chicago’s north and south sides would convene at U.S. Cellular Field on Monday, the first contest of a four-game series for the cross-town rivalry.

Chicago Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija would get the call and pitch a complete-game shutout, the first of his career.

In going the distance, Samardzija was dominant, surrendering just two base hits and striking out eight batters while walking two.

Samardzija improved to a 3-6 record on the season, lowering his ERA to 2.85 in the process. The Cubs starter now boasts an 80/24 strikeout to walk ratio in 72.2 innings of work. His 80 strikeouts ranks second in the NL and his 10.18 K/9 ratio coming into the game is amongst the best in the majors.

Samardzija received plenty of run support on Monday in a season that has seen the Cubs produce sparse offensive support for the Cubs starter in his outings, as is evident with his 3-6 record despite having a 2.85 ERA. The Cubs scored seven runs, wherein Julio Borbon, Anthony Rizzo, and Alfonso Soriano each drove in a pair of runs.

After dropping six straight games, including a sweep by the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cubs have now won two straight and sit fourth in the NL Central standings with a 20-30 record.