Game #8 Vs. Chicago Cubs

PNC Park | 7:05 | Duke vs. Ryan Dempster | Box

Pre-Game Thoughts
Starter - turned reliever - turned starter again Ryan Dempster goes for the Cubbies. He won his initial start of 2008, looking sharp over six innings of work.

Prior to his start earlier this year, Dempster had not started since the opening month of 2005. He made six starts before becoming the Cubs closer. His last win as a starter was against the Pirates on 4/16/05. That was so long ago that Jeromy Burnitz was a Cub.

Chris Gomez is 5-13 against Dempster. Xavier Nady is 4-8 with two homers and both Adam LaRoche and Nate McLouth have homered off him.

Dempster leads all pitchers born in British Columbia in career wins with 60. Jeff Francis, who has 40, will likely pass him unless he gets hurt or is caught in his car with a hooker like former Buc and Rockie Denny Neagle.

Zach Duke’s 2007 woes continued in his opening appearance in 2008. He allowed 10 hits over 5-2/3 earlier this year, while striking out just one. He gave up just one run and got a no decision. Duke has fared very well against Chicago. He is 4-2 with a 2.10 ERA, including his only career shutout, way back in 2005.

This current crop of Cubbies have hit a collective .320 off of Duke. Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano have all hit circuit clouts off Duke.

As Matt discussed below, Craig Wilson is back. Rumor has it, part of the deal was that Craig would have to switch Diet Pepsi.

Tag: duke diet