Cubs’ Dempster rues rough start

All year long, Ryan Dempster has pitched well but has had nothing to show for it.

On Wednesday, it was his teammates’ turn to pick him up. Dempster gave up 3 home runs and lasted just 4 innings, but the Cubs came back from deficits of 2-0, 4-2 and 6-3 to beat the San Diego Padres 8-6.

“That was awesome,” he said of the team victory. “Just battled. I kept putting us behind the 8-ball, and we just kept battling back.”

Dempster’s last victory came Aug. 11, 2011. He has gone winless in his last 18 starts, becoming the first Cubs starter to do so since Danny Jackson over 1991-92, according to STATS.

In Wednesday’s game, he gave up a homer to Chris Denorfia and a pair to Carlos Quentin.

“I didn’t have my command I’ve been having all year,” he said. “But at the same time, I made some pitches to Carlos Quentin ... I probably should have just drilled him or something. Really, like looking back at it, holy cow. Fastball right on the black, he hits a homer. Fastball three balls outside, and he hits a homer.”

Leave it to Mather:

Joe Mather made his eighth straight start. He has started at both center field and third base during the streak. Although he went 0-for-5, he’s earned a look, according to Cubs manager Dale Sveum.

“He’s the one guy that’s for the most part though spring training and so far through the season with slugging percentage, on-base percentage and having consistent quality at-bats,” Sveum said. “He’s played good defense. When he’s in center field, he’s always gotten good jumps on balls and has done a good job. I’m going to ride it as long as I can.

“As long as he’s giving quality at-bats, like I told him, I’m going to see if he can spark the team somehow and do some things.”

He’s a relief:

Left-handed reliever James Russell earned the victory Wednesday, giving him a win and a save in the last two days. Russell is the son of former big-league closer Jeff Russell.

According to Elias, the Russells are the fourth father and son who each saved at least one game in the majors. The others were Julio and Jaime Navarro, Pedro Borbon Sr. and Pedro Borbon Jr., and Steve and Jason Grilli.

This and that:

Catcher Steve Clevenger made his first start since coming off the disabled list and went 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI. He’s 13-for-26 for the season. ... David DeJesus extended a hitting streak to nine game. He’s hit safely in 19 of 20. ... Starlin Castro has an eight-game hitting streak. ... Reed Johnson is 7-for-15 as a pinch hitter.