Cubs' Samardzija gives credit to Clevenger

Often left unnoticed in a well-pitched game is the work of the catcher.

Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija managed to give a shout-out to catcher Steve Clevenger after Samardzija worked 8 innings Sunday in a 4-3 victory over the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field.

Clevenger, a 26-year-old converted infielder, was making only his second major-league start after catching the final game of the 2011 season.

“Clev's great, man,” Samardzija said. “I can remember me and Clev trying to get through 4 innings in (Class A) Daytona, which was tough back in the day.

“Clev's caught me probably 100 times, so I feel comfortable with Clev back there. He's relaxed. It was his first game (of the year) catching, and he didn't show it at all. He swung the bat very well, too.”

Clevenger enjoyed the accomplishment.

“It was awesome,” he said. “It was a great feeling, letting Jeff go out there and throw what he wants to throw and how successful he was.”

LaHair's back:

First baseman Bryan LaHair made his first start of the season after battling back problems that began late in spring training. LaHair popped out as a pinch hitter Saturday, but he hit a pair of doubles Sunday.

“It felt great,” the 29-year-old journeyman said. “I was happy to get a win out there and run around the bases a little bit and test myself.

“It felt good. I feel like I've been playing all year long, and I have. I had about 60 at-bats in spring training, so my swing feels pretty good.”

Castro keeps on going:

Shortstop Starlin Castro was 2-for-4, and is batting .385 (5-for-13) over the first three games. He extended a hitting streak to 14 games dating to last season and an on-base streak to 43 straight, dating to last Aug. 15.

Only Riggs Stephenson, with 44 straight in 1928, has a longer on-base streak for the Cubs in the last 94 years, according to the team.

Castro also stole a pair of bases, making him 4-for-4 on the season as the Cubs continue their aggressive baserunning.

Ready to rock:

Right-hander Chris Volstad starts Monday night's (6:05 p.m.) series opener against the Brewers at Wrigley Field. He knows the atmosphere will be a little different from what he experienced with the Marlins. Volstad came over in the trade for Carlos Zambrano.

“It's been fun so far with the fans up here,” he said. “Opening weekend was awesome, something I had never seen before. I'm ready to get going now, get my first game and get started.

“The energy level, the excitement. It's not a secret what was going on there as far as attendance in Florida. Definitely a difference.”