James Shields threw an absolute gem on Tuesday evening, striking out 11 and surrendering only two earned runs in seven innings in the series opener against the visiting Cubs. Unfortunately for Shields his stellar pitching performance didn't factor into the final decision for the game, but the Friars still went on to succeed as he earned a no-decision en route to a 4-3 victory over Chicago. Reliever Joaquin Benoit earned the win, his fourth of the year, while closer Craig Kimbrel collected his 11th save of the season.
Shields and the Padres faced a capable opponent in Jason Hammel, but a series of Cubs miscues and timely hits ultimately rendered a win for the Friars.