Cubs shutout in loss to Padres
SAN DIEGO — Mat Latos took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and struck out nine in seven innings, and the San Diego Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Monday night.
It was a strong finish to an uneven season for Latos (9-14) who struggled during the first half. It was the 16th time in his last 17 starts that Latos allowed three or fewer runs. He allowed only two hits before Chad Qualls threw a perfect eighth and Heath Bell a perfect ninth for his 43rd save in 48 chances.
It was the 10th shutout for the Padres and the 10th time the Cubs were shut out.
Latos was perfect through four innings before issuing his only walk, to Carlos Pena leading off the fifth. Pena stole second but was stranded after Latos retired the side. Latos didn't allow his first hit until Cubs starter Casey Coleman tripled into the gap in right-center with one out in the sixth. Latos then got a groundout and fly out to strand Coleman.
Starlin Castro singled leading off the seventh and reached third with two outs before Latos got Steve Clevenger to foul out.
San Diego's Will Venable homered to straightaway center field leading off the sixth, his eighth. Jesus Guzman doubled with one out and scored on Cameron Maybin's double, which chased Coleman.
Casey Coleman (3-9) allowed two runs and five hits in 5 2-3 innings, struck out seven and walked two.
NOTES: Like the Padres, the Cubs have 90 losses. ... Castro singled off Latos leading off the seventh to reach base safely in a career-high 38 straight games. ... Chicago's Rafael Dolis made his big league debut when he relieved Coleman with two outs in the sixth. He got Chase Headley to ground out. ... The series continues Tuesday night with Cubs righty Matt Garza (9-10, 3.35) facing San Diego rookie righty Anthony Bass (2-0, 1.66). Garza will look to extend his winning streak to season-high four games. In his last start, he threw the eighth complete game of his career and his second this season. Bass will be making his third career start.