Marshall steadily earns Piniella's praise

Sean Marshall has turned into Mr. Dependable for the Cubs.

The 27-year-old lefty lost out in spring training for a spot in the starting rotation, but he has worked his way into being the No. 1 eighth-inning setup man.

Marshall worked another scoreless eighth in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Phillies. He has a record of 6-2 with a 1.91 ERA and a microscopic WHIP (walks plus hits per 1 inning pitched) of 1.02.

What's more, right-handers hit just .198 against him while lefties are at .206.

"So far, so good," he said. "I enjoy it. I enjoy coming in and giving the team a chance to win. I love the team. I love the guys in this clubhouse. Whatever I can do to help the team win is what I'm going to do."

Said manager Lou Piniella: "Marshall's done a nice job, very professional, and he pitches well within himself. He mixes his pitches. He knows what he's doing out there, and he's done a very professional job for us."

All's Wells: Lost amid the chaos of the Cubs' 4-1 loss to the Phillies was the fourth straight quality start by Randy Wells, who worked 7 shutout innings, giving up a single in each inning.

Wells got a no-decision. He's 4-7 with a 4.33 ERA. On Saturday, he was as good as Phillies lefty Cole Hamels.

"I've been feeling good," said Wells, who has had to make some mechanical adjustments on the fly this year. "I've been feeling good ever since I got some confidence back. My mechanics stuff has worked out. Just go back to pitching and execute pitches and go about our business."

Minor matters: The Cubs appear to be getting close to signing their No. 2 draft pick, outfielder Reggie Golden, out of Wetumpka High School in Alabama. The Cubs took him 65th overall, and he's committed to the University of Alabama.

Right-hander Jeff Samardzija pitched 5 shutout innings of 2-hit ball Friday for Class AAA Iowa in a 4-0 victory over Oklahoma City. Samardzija, who has started and relieved at Iowa, is 6-1 with a 2.85 ERA since being sent down in late April.

Third baseman Josh Vitters, the Cubs' No. 1 pick in 2007, hit his seventh homer and added 2 doubles for Class AA Tennessee in an 8-6 win over Chattanooga. Vitters homered for the second straight game.