Cubs Down Rangers 3-1 In Darvish's Return
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CHICAGO (AP) — Yu Darvish returned from the disabled list to strike out nine but was inefficient and wild at times, and Anthony Rizzo's two-run double helped lead the Chicago Cubs past the Texas Rangers 3-1 on Saturday.
In his first start since June 8 because of shoulder pain, Darvish (2-1) reached 98 mph and allowed only two runs and two hits, but the Japanese right-hander lasted just 4 1/3 innings thanks to four walks and shoddy defense.
Jason Hammel (8-5) struck out seven in six innings for the Cubs, who won their second straight in the interleague matchup of division leaders.
Hector Rondon pitched a perfect ninth to complete the three-hitter for his 15th save.
Darvish, a three-time All-Star, was making his fourth start since missing all of 2015 following Tommy John surgery. A dominant slider dipping out of the strike zone accounted for seven of his strikeouts.
But he was lifted after 90 pitches when second baseman Rougned Odor dropped what could have been an inning-ending double play.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he wanted his players to be patient at the plate, knowing Darvish faced a pitch count. Darvish got Kris Bryant looking on a 98 mph fastball in the first, but his velocity dipped as the game wore on.
Darvish walked Miguel Montero, who entered hitting .201, to lead off the third. Then Rizzo's two-out double to right extended his hitting streak to 11 games and put the Cubs ahead to stay.
Hammel allowed three hits in his first victory since June 4. Matt Szczur pinch-hit for the right-hander in the sixth and hit a two-run single off Shawn Tolleson. It was Szczur's 10th pinch hit and second for an RBI in as many days.
Texas' lone run in the game — and the series — came in odd fashion in the second.
Ryan Rua singled and scored from second on Elvis Andrus' infield single after the first baseman Rizzo threw wildly to the plate.
Texas has dropped a season high-tying four straight and nine of 11.
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