Jon Lester struck out a season-high 14 batters over eight innings as the Cubs held on to beat the Rockies 3-2 at Wrigley Field. Lester allowed five hits and two runs while walking just one to up his record to 6-and-8 on the season. Hector Rondon closed it out for his 13th save as Chicago took two-of-three in the series. Dexter Fowler hit a solo homer in the first and Anthony Rizzo added a two-run bomb in the third to stake the Cubs to a 3-0 lead. Eddie Butler gave up three runs in five frames to fall to 3-and-7. Nolan Arenado had a sac-fly and Carlos Gonzalez a solo homer for the Rockies.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon has assured shortstop Starlin Castro that he won't be traded. Maddon told Castro after Tuesday night's game to relax and don't worry about Friday's trade deadline. Castro is hitting .237 with five homers and 42 RBI this season
The Cubs open a four-game series with the Brewers tonight in Milwaukee. Jake Arrieta is slated to be on the mound for Chicago. The Crew will counter with Jimmy Nelson. First-pitch is at 7:10.
