Cubs open 10-game homestand with 5-3 win over Rockies

The Cubs returned to Wrigley Field and beat the Colorado Rockies 5-3 this afternoon to start a three-game series and 10-game homestand.  Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs and allowed three runs over six hits and walked two batters and struck out seven over seven innings pitched.

Although Samardzija ended up with a no-decision, he said, "If you look at all of my starts this year, that's probably one of the more proud starts I can say that I had.  There's been times when I've had good stuff and it's gone smoothly.  To come out early and scuffle, really not have fastball command or my slider all game, to get through the seven innings felt really good.  Felt like a starting pitcher."

Alfonso Soriano, Wellington Castillo and Brett Jackson all hit homers and Joe Mather had the go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning.  Relief pitcher James Russell ended up with the win today.

Brett Jackson is congratulated by third base coach Pat Listach after hitting his homer against the Rockies on Friday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Relief pitcher James Russell earned the win on Friday against the Rockies (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, the Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Miguel Socolovich off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.  Socolovich was optioned him to Triple-A Iowa. In a corresponding move catcher Blake Lalli was designated for assignment.

The Cubs also selected left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw off waivers from the San Diego Padres earlier this week.  Hinshaw is with the team, but hasn't appeared in a game with the Cubs yet.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Rockies will play the second game of the series at 12:05 CT.  Brooks Raley will start for the Cubs and try to earn his second win.