MIAMI (AP) – Jason Hammel had a career-high 11 strikeouts in 6 2-3 innings, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 5-1 Monday night.
With his start pushed back because of a cracked fingernail and a rainout, Hammel (4-2) pitched for the first time in eight days, and he seemed to benefit from the extra rest. He allowed one run, five hits and no walks, lowering his ERA to 2.82.
Hammel threw 117 pitches, his highest total since 2009. Two relievers completed a six-hitter, and the Marlins struck out 13 times.
The Cubs had scored only 13 runs in their previous seven games, and they showed a little offensive life with eight hits. Starlin Castro hit his fourth homer, and Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant each had an RBI double.
Jose Urena (0-2), making his second major league start, improved on his rocky debut but allowed three runs in six innings. The Marlins fell to 4-10 under manager Dan Jennings.
