Ryan Dempster extends MLB-leading scoreless inning streak to 33 as Cubs win 4-1 over Dbacks

The Cubs beat the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second day in a row at Wrigley Field Saturday afternoon.  The final score was 4-1 and Ryan Dempster earned his fifth win of the season.

Dempster was outstanding again as he allowed four hits and no runs and struck out five batters and walked three over six scoreless innings.  His scoreless innings streak now stands at 33 innings, which leads the Majors.

Ryan Dempster earned his fifth win of the season and extended his scoreless inning streak to 33 on Saturday (photo from cubs.com)

There were numerous scouts today at Wrigley to observe Dempster, since it is highly likely that he will be traded before the July 31st trade deadline.  Many speculate that this might have been Dempster's last start as a Cub.  While I am a huge Dempster fan and will be sad to see him go, I also understand the Cubs' situation and need to think ahead to the future.

Luis Valbuena, Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney each had RBIs in today's game, which was the Cubs' 11th victory in their last 15 games and they are now two games ahead of the Houston Astros in the NL Central division. 

Including today's game, the Cubs have also turned at least one double play in nine consecutive games, which is their longest such streak since 1994.

Darwin Barney looks to first base after starting a double play on Saturday against the Diamondbacks (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

“It’s the preparation Barney and Castro have put into their double play combination and obviously the addition of Rizzo at first base,” Sveum said.  “He's one of those calm guys at first base that people take for granted at that position.”
 
In other Cubs news, David DeJesus and his wife Kim held a mystery ball event before Saturday's game to benefit ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) research.  Each Cubs player signed a dozen baseballs which could be purchased for a $50 donation.  After the game, the Cubs outfielder signed autographs across from Wrigley Field at the Cubs store.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Dbacks will play the final game of the series at 1:20pm CT at Wrigley Field.  Matt Garza will start for the Cubs and try to earn his fifth win of the season.  Tomorrow could also be Garza's last start as a Cub.