Cubs Beat Nationals 4-3

Kerry Wood and the Cubs bullpen blew the first two games of the season against the Nationals after great outings by the starters. Then Jeff Samardzija decided that the best way to reverse that trend is to prevent any relievers from entering the game.

Despite Starlin Castro's ninth inning error and the ensuing two-run shot from Adam LaRoche, Samardzija cruised through the entire game. His pinpoint command of his fastball, splitter, and slider are what brought him success.

With no outs in the ninth inning Samardzija rocketed a four-seam fastball onto the lower outside corner past Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond. Despite the fact that he had already thrown almost 100 pitches, the radar gun listed the pitch at 97 miles per hour.

With one out in the same half-inning, Samardzija faced second baseman Danny Espinosa. Espinosa though did not last very long as backstop Doug Eddings called a backdoor slider strike three for the second out of the inning.

Jeff Samardzija began his career as a nomad. Cubs management could not decide if he was best as a starter or a reliever. This indecision hurt him in the long run, and was unable to be successful in either department. Last season, he was a reliever for the entire season, and one of the most reliable in the bullpen. This season he has been dubbed the third starter, and began with a gem. If 2012 Samardzija pitches as well as his first game reflected for the entire season, the Cubs might be on their way to a surprise season.

Windy on the Banks Spotlight Player of the Game


Who else but Samardzija?

8.2 Innings Pitched, 4 hits, 1 ER, 8 Strikeouts