It was one of those nights. James Shields (3-5, 4.68 ERA), who has struggled badly this season, dominated the Cubs’ lineup all night. Shields went 7 2/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts and gave up only four base hits.
Kyle Hendricks pitched a fairly good ballgame, but it wasn’t enough. It’s hard to win when your offense doesn’t score any runs. Hendricks (9-7, 2.39 ERA) went 5 2/3 innings giving up three earned runs on six hits and two walks. He recorded seven strikeouts.
Travis Wood came in to relieve Hendricks in the sixth inning, walking his first three batters, and walking in a run.