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. 

Chris Rusin impressive in MLB debut but Cubs lose 5-2 to Brewers; Matt Garza update; Latest roster moves

The Cubs lost 5-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park tonight.  Left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin made his MLB debut and allowed just one run on one hit and walked two batters and struck out four over five innings pitched.  He threw three perfect innings but was replaced when the Cubs were trailing 1-0.

Rookie Chris Rusin allowed just one hit in his MLB debut and also tripled in his first MLB at-bat (photo from cubs.com)

Rusin was the 9th rookie pitcher this season for the Cubs, which leads the National League.  Rusin was impressive as he had a stand-up triple in his first MLB at-bat, which no Cubs pitcher has ever done.  Pitcher Bob Muncrief tripled during his first Cubs game, but not in his first MLB at-bat.

Rookie pitcher Alberto Cabrera pitched in relief of Rusin in the sixth inning.  He didn't fare too well as he loaded the bases on three walks and the Cubs were in a 4-0 deficit.

In other Cubs news, Matt Garza was transferred to the 60-day disabled list, which means that he is done for the season due to elbow stress reaction.

Garza said, "If this is it, it's disappointing because I wanted to finish it off.  I'd like to be the guy to step out there every five days and be known for that.  A little hiccup, but come back stronger. … I've learned a lot from what I have to deal with right now.  I'm not fine, I'm never going to be fine with it," he said.  "But you have to accept it."

Starting pitcher Matt Garza has been shut down for the rest of the season (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Obviously, the Cubs added Chris Rusin to the roster, but they also added pitcher Alex Hinshaw, who was claimed off waivers from the Padres over the weekend.  In corresponding moves, relief pitcher Jeff Beliveau and infielder Adrian Cardenas were optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

The Cubs are also planning to move the Class A Peoria Chiefs to Kane County, which is in the suburb of Geneva, in order to be closer to Chicago starting in 2013.  Kane County is currently a part of the Kansas City Royals, but that affiliation expires at the end of the 2012 season.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Brewers will play the final game in the series at 1:10pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his fifth win of the season.

Chris Volstad's winless streak continues as Cubs lose 5-4 to Reds; Alfonso Soriano's milestone; Starlin Castro's extension update

The Cubs lost 5-4 to the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon at Great American Ballpark.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs and allowed four runs over seven hits and struck out four batters and walked one over six innings pitched. 

Volstad has now gone 24 consecutive starts without a win, as he received a no-decision today since relief pitcher Shawn Camp was tagged with the loss.

Starter Chris Volstad has now gone 24 consecutive starts without a win (photo from cubs.com)

The right-hander said, "If you've won five in a row and you've got a five-game win streak, are you going to worry about not wining your next game?  Or if you've lost five in a row, are you going to worry about losing?  No, you're going to go out there and compete and try and win each individual time you're out there.  That's all I'm doing."  Well, I sure hope he can get a win soon.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said, "Not some of the smartest baseball I've ever seen today," when asked to comment on today's game.  He might have been referring to outfielder Brett Jackson trying to steal third base with one out in the ninth and the game tied.  Jackson was thrown out and the Cubs ended up losing the game by a run.

There were some highlights to the game, which include outfielder David DeJesus, who had three hits, a double, an RBI and also scored two runs.  Alfonso Soriano had two RBIs.

In other Cubs news, the team claimed left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw off waivers from the San Diego Padres.  In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Arodys Vizcaino was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Also, worth mentioning, outfielder Alfonso Soriano earned his 1,000th career RBI in yesterday's first doubleheader game against the Reds.

Alfonso Soriano drove in his 1,000th career RBI on Saturday against the Reds in Cincinnati (Getty Images photo)

On another note, the reported 7-year, $60 million contract extension for Starlin Castro hasn't been finalized yet.  When asked about the deal, Castro said, "I like it, but I don't know if it is sure yet. (My agent) will let me know right away.  He hasn't called."

Soriano's advice to the young shortstop was, "I just talk to him about staying humble, you know," Soriano said.  "Love the game and work hard to get better.  Money is good, but it won't make you better.  Always the money is there if you play hard and play good."

Tomorrow the Cubs will start a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park at 7:10pm CT.  Justin Germano will start for the Cubs and try to earn his third win since joining the Cubs.