May 26, 2017

Alex Wood threw 5 more shutout innings while improving his record to 6-0, as the Dodgers blanked the Cubs 4-0 on Friday night at the Ravine.

Wood allowed 2 hits while striking out 8 and walking 2.  He extended his career-high scoreless innings streak to 25 1/3, longest in the majors this season.

“I definitely feel confident now,” Wood said. “The consistency of my stuff has been there and that’s where my confidence is coming from.”

Pedro Baez and Chris Hatcher combined to throw four hitless innings after Wood departed.

Chase Utley connected on a solo homer off of Jake Arrieta in the 3rd inning to give the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.  Yasmani Grandal doubled in Corey Seager in the 4th, and Adrian Gonzales drilled a 2-run shot to center in the 6th.

Arrieta (5-4) took the loss, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits.  He struck out 9 and walked 1.  He departed after 6 innings and 95 pitches.

“I thought it was somewhat of a victory getting Wood out after five,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “He started out hot. His numbers were high, but then all of a sudden his velocity came back down. But their bullpen was that good.”

Game 2 of the series will be on Saturday night.  Brandon McCarthy (4-1, 3.76 ERA) is on the hill for the boys in blue, while the Cubs go with  John Lackey (4-4, 4.82 ERA).