Dempster K's 12 to Lead Cubs Over Padres 4-0

Cubs hurler goes eight-plus innings, knocks in go-ahead run

By Jesse Andrews, Newser Staff

Posted May 15, 2008 10:14 PM CDT

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Dempster K's 12 to Lead Cubs Over Padres 4-0 — Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Dempster, left, celebrates with closer Kerry Wood after the Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 4-0. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Ryan Dempster struck out a career-high 12 and hit a go-ahead single against Greg Maddux during a four-run fifth inning, leading the Chicago Cubs over the punchless Padres 4-0. Jim Edmonds singled in his debut with the Cubs, who won three of four from the team with the worst record in the major leagues (15-27).

NL Central-leading Chicago has won six of seven overall. San Diego batters struck out 14 times in all, a day after whiffing 15 times against Ted Lilly and the Cubs' bullpen. It was the most strikeouts in a span of two nine-inning games since Texas batters had 30 last Aug. 19 and 21, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. (Read more baseball stories.)