Hard-throwing Scherzer impresses
On the same week the Cubs celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Kerry Wood's 20-strikeout gem, they took their cuts against the latest flame-thrower with an electric right arm.
Max Scherzer might not be Kid K just yet, but he came into his second career start Saturday with a resume that has phenom written all over it.
Scherzer made history in his major-league debut, striking out seven Astros in 4½ perfect innings of scoreless relief on April 29. It was the longest debut outing in modern major-league history (dating back to 1900) by a pitcher who retired every batter he faced.
His first start didn't go as well Monday against Philadelphia, though. He took the loss after allowing 5 runs in 4 innings. He still hit 98 mph on the radar gun several times.
Scherzer lived up to the hype Saturday, even though his bullpen cost him his first big-league win. He didn't give up an earned run in 6 innings, striking out six while throwing 53 of his 82 pitches for strikes.
"He's got a good arm," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "He's a good-looking young pitcher."
Scherzer constantly hit the 90s, often reaching 94, 95. He struck out Derrek Lee to end the first inning, fanned Reed Johnson on a 94-mph pitch in the third and followed with an off-speed pitch to get Ryan Dempster.
He backed Mark DeRosa off the plate with a high fastball in the fourth, then struck him out on a 94-mph heater.
"He throws strikes," Piniella said. "Good fastball. Throws enough breaking balls to keep you honest. He's quick to the plate so you can't run on him too easily."
Cubs 7, D'backs 2
At the plate: Alfonso Soriano stroked 2 opposite-field bloop hits and then ripped an RBI double to left-center and a line single to left for his first 4 hit-game since last June. Kosuke Fukudome hit a 2-run homer. Darryl Ward tied the game in the seventh with a pinch-hit RBI single. Ryan Theriot went 2-for-3 with an RBI, Aramis Ramirez was 2-for-4 with an RBI and Reed Johnson was hit twice.
On the mound: Ryan Dempster threw a season-high 118 pitches in 6 innings, allowing 2 runs. Scott Eyre, a day he came off the disabled list, made his first appearance this season. He pitched a scoreless seventh, allowing a single to Augie Ojeda, and recorded the win when the Cubs rallied for 6 runs in the bottom of the seventh. Bob Howry threw a perfect eighth and Carlos Marmol finished with a 5-run lead in the ninth, just his second appearance in the last seven days.