Dempster returns, leads Cubs in shutout of Mets

3:29 PM, Jul 8, 2012   |    comments
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Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - A four-run first inning was all the support Ryan Dempster needed in his return from the disabled list, as the Cubs blanked the Mets, 7-0, on Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Dempster (4-3), who landed on the DL June 18, gave up four hits and didn't issue a walk over five frames, extending his scoreless inning streak to 27 in the process. He has now won four straight games since snapping an 18-start winless streak on June 5.

Geovany Soto singled home a pair during the first-inning burst and Starlin Castro added a three-run homer in the seventh for the Cubs, who head into the All-Star break having won nine of their last 13 games.

Jon Niese (7-4) took the loss, allowing all seven runs on nine hits over seven innings.

Despite the setback, the Mets have still won seven of 11 heading into the break.

The Sports Network