Samardzija earns first career save for Cubs
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Posted: 11:02 PM Jul 27, 2008
Samardzija earns first career save for Cubs
Notre Dame standout Jeff Samardzija made his 2nd appearance for the Cubs on Sunday and pitched two scoreless innings for his first career save.
Reporter: Angelo Di Carlo
Email Address: angelo.dicarlo@wndu.com
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There was another Shark sighting at Wrigley Field on Sunday.

And he was taking a big bite out of "Marlin."

Former Notre Dame standout Jeff Samardzija made his second big league appearance for the Cubs, retiring all six batters he faced to earn his first career save as Chicago defeated Florida 9-6.

Shark had a strikeout to start the 8th and two more to begin the 9th.

He's now given up just one run and two hits in four innings of work since being called up from the minors.

"We've been looking for one more good arm in that bullpen and I think we just found it," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said after the game.

"I really liked what I saw the other day and what I saw[Sunday] even more."

Piniella believes Samardzija playing in front of large crowds at Notre Dame Stadium is a big reason why he can transition into big situations at Wrigley so quickly.

"It's awfully impressive," Piniella said laughing. "It really is."

"It didn't phase him at all whether it was the 8th or 9th. Cool as a cucumber out there."

Piniella said a big key will be to monitor Samardzija's innings and to make sure he is not over used.

The Cubs regained sole possession of 1st place in the NL Central with the win. The Brewers lost to Houston on Sunday.

Chicago now travels to Milwaukee for a huge 4-game series beginning Monday.



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