Samardzija earns first career save for Cubs
Samardzija earns first career save for Cubs Save Email Print
Posted: 11:02 PM Jul 27, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:02 PM Jul 27, 2008
 Reporter: Angelo Di Carlo
Email Address: angelo.dicarlo@wndu.com
15 comments
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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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Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Aug 3, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Well I see Anon is still spewing his hatred in these blogs. It is like a soap opera with him. You don't enter the blogs for a while and come back to the same story line. Well, I think it is great that the Shark had a great debut. And yes Anon, we should rally behind a closing pitcher! I have seen games lost because the closing pitcher did not protect the lead. It happened this year to the cubs. I hope the Cubs take it all this year! GO CUBBIES GO!
Posted by: Blutnick on Jul 29, 2008 at 04:01 PM
...then this morning at precisely 9:48 Jeff Samardzija grabbed a newspaper and disappeared into a bathroom for nearly 10 minutes of undocumented time...sadly, no one really knows what happened with Jeff until nearly 10:00...
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Jul 29, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Susan, don't argue with anon. It is pointless. He doesn't know the meaning of supporting players and a team. For as long as he has been posting, he has never shown that he has any understanding of what a fan means. Great job, Jeff- only one year in the minors and you get the call- great work!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:26 AM
I love how morons like Susan act like they are telling everyone exactly who they are by posting their first name, while at the same time, berating people who don't bother to type in a name. Hey Susan, how many susan's are in this area?? Stop hiding behind anonymity. Idiot.
Posted by: Melissa M Location: Osceola, IN on Jul 28, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Way to go Jeff! Sunday was my very first experience at Wrigley and what a way to start! Our ND player making us proud! Go Cubbies!
Posted by: Sweetie Location: S B on Jul 28, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Jeff, the Cubs & ND stink.
Posted by: Terry Location: Louisville on Jul 28, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Let the Big Shark eat!
Posted by: Susan on Jul 28, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Way to go Shark!!! Never had any doubt he could do this. Go get 'em in Milwaukee! Cubbies, Cubbies, Cubbies!!! What is your problem Anonymous?? He's one of our own, not to mention an integral part of a pitching staff. And by the way, what's with anonymous. Afraid to state your name?? Take ownership of your comments??
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jul 28, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Ah, yes, anonomyi has to add it's two cents, as usual. A relief pitcher is a part of the TEAM. Same as a starting pitcher or 1st baseman. When you go 100 years without winning it all you might well find yourself rallying around a golden baseball shaped piece of poo. Who cares, it gives the fans another reason to belive. What a kill joy. I bet if it were anyone other than a former ND player you would not say one word. Furthermore, I would also be willing to bet that if Jeff only played baseball at ND you would have no idea who he is and you would not have commented. As much as you anonomyi hate ND football you sure do pay A LOT of attention to it.
Posted by: Tom Location: South Bend on Jul 28, 2008 at 03:12 PM
I was in Wrigley on Sunday and could not be happier for "The Shark." For the most part he had excellent control and command of the situation. He shows a lot of maturity for his age. Keep him in Wrigley, Lou. Don't send him back down, even when Kerry comes back. We need Jeff.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 28, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Rally behind a closing pitcher??!? What are you smoking?
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Jul 28, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I saw Jeff pitch this weekend and Wow! His fastball really jumps. When he masters control he is a tough guy to face. Great job and just when the Cubs need it.
Posted by: M Location: sb on Jul 28, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Way to go Shark. Did not expect any less of the young man. Even though I would have liked him better in a Bears uniform,He seems to have made the best choice for himself. Oh and the 10 mil contract didn't hurt either ! Way to go Jeff,contiued good luck at baseball and in life!
Posted by: raggedy Location: south bend on Jul 28, 2008 at 09:09 AM
the SHARK MY FAVORITE AFTER THE BIG Z has shown us his stuff. now its time for the rest of the team to rally behind him and take this year as our own. Lou is right his training at nd made him able to accept the responsibility of the job.
Posted by: Lindy Location: South Bend on Jul 28, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Way to go, Jeff! Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Steve-O on Jul 28, 2008 at 08:00 AM
wow

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