In his first start of the season, Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks simply pitched lousy. In his second start on Saturday, he simply got screwed.
He appeared destined to win after pitching six strong innings and watching his team take a 6-2 lead into the ninth, but the bullpen blew it and the Cubs required extra innings to pull out the win.
Hendricks lowered his ERA from 10.38 to 6.10 by shutting out San Diego after a Matt Kemp two-run homer in the first. He walked none, fanned eight and retired 14 consecutive batters.
He will again seek his first victory Thursday afternoon in Pittsburgh.