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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada delivered during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies Monday, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
CHICAGO » Tsuyoshi Wada earned his first big league win, pitching seven strong innings Monday night as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-1.
Anthony Rizzo drove in two runs to back Wada (1-1).
In only his third career start in the majors, Wada cut through the Colorado lineup, allowing one run and five hits. It was a far cry from his last outing, when he lasted four innings and gave up five runs in a loss to San Diego.
The sole blemish on Wada’s performance came in the sixth when the Rockies got three hits, capped by Nolan Arenado’s RBI single.
The 33-year-old Wada won 107 games over nine seasons in Japan.
Pedro Strop worked out of a jam in the eighth inning and Hector Rondon worked a perfect ninth for his 13th save in 16 chances.
Yohan Flande (0-3) struck out eight in 6 2-3 innings. Those were his career bests in his fifth start.
The Cubs put together two runs in the fourth. Emilio Bonifacio led off with a single and Arismendy Alcantara doubled, setting up Rizzo’s RBI grounder and Justin Ruggiano’s sacrifice fly.
Chicago added two more runs in the eighth against Nick Masset. John Baker scored on an errant pickoff throw and Rizzo singled for his 58th RBI this season.
Trainer’s room
Rockies: SS Troy Tulowitzki (left hip) underwent an acupuncture-like procedure in Philadelphia. … 1B Justin Morneau (strained neck) was scheduled to a make a rehab start with the Triple-A Colorado Springs. Manager Walt Weiss said Morneau could return as soon as Tuesday, the first day he’s eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list. … LHP Boone Logan (intestinal condition) was also scheduled to make his first rehab appearance with Colorado Springs.
Cubs: Manager Rick Renteria is encouraged by left-handed reliever Kyuji Fujikawa’s rehab assignment in Triple-A Iowa. "I can say that he’s responding well after his outings," Renteria said. "We’ll continue to monitor and see where he’s at. All indications, I can say that he’s doing fine." Fujikawa, 34, underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2013.
Up next
In the second game of the four-game series, Edwin Jackson (5-11, 5.68) starts for the Cubs on Tuesday night, looking for his first win since June 20. He will face Jorge De La Rosa (11-6, 4.19).
