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Dempster leads Cubs past Reds

Jul 9, 2008 - 4:40 AM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Chicago Cubs received a boost on the mound before their newest pitching acquisitions even put on uniforms.

Ryan Dempster pitched seven solid innings and Geovany Soto knocked in three runs to help the Cubs cruise to a 7-3 triumph over the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.

The righthander (10-3) allowed one run and two hits while striking out five in his first start since being named to the National League roster for the upcoming All-Star Game. He also became the first Cubs pitcher in 31 years to start a season 10-0 at home.

"(Dempster) gave us seven good innings of baseball on a hot night so we got him out of there," Chicago manager Lou Piniella said. "That's his 10th win so if we can get 10 more out of him in the second half we are in business."

Chicago's pitching staff should become even more imposing after acquiring righthanders Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday for righthander Sean Gallagher, outfielder Matt Murton, infielder Eric Patterson and catcher Josh Donaldson.

"It's great when you know you have a front office that will continue to try and improve your team even when you are in first place," Dempster said. "(General manager Jim Hendry) has done an outstanding job of acquiring the best talent available."

The move was a potent answer to the Milwaukee Brewers' trade on Monday for CC Sabathia and was made to support an already solid rotation, which includes Carlos Zambrano and Dempster.

Dempster held his former team in check except for the fourth inning, where he issued four walks and forced in a run.

He had two stints in Cincinnati, most recently in 2003 when he had a 6.54 ERA in 20 starts. He also started 15 games for the Reds in 2002 prior to being acquired by the Florida Marlins for a second time.

"(Dempster) mixed his pitches very well and kept the ball down," Cincinnati shortstop Jerry Hairston said. "When he got into trouble he would make a good pitch or his defense made some good plays. Jim Edmonds made a great catch in the first inning and Aramis Ramirez made some great plays."

Mike Fontenot blasted a two-run home run in the fourth to give Chicago a 4-1 advantage and Soto followed with a two-run homer in the fifth.

Fontenot also scored on a wild pitch in the sixth for Cubs, who scored in five straight innings.

"I try to do whatever I can when I get in there and try to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself," Fontenot said. "Tonight I got a couple good pitches to hit and I was lucky enough to hit one ball out of the park."

Soto lifted a sacrifice fly to open the scoring in the second against Reds starter Aaron Harang (3-11).

"I am trying to get good at-bats but my main focus is to work with the pitchers," Soto said. "I take pride in my hitting but my main job is to catch. I am trying to be the best I can be."

Harang, who was scheduled to start last Saturday but was given a few extra days to recover from stiffness in his right forearm, allowed six runs and a career-high seven walks in 4 1/3 innings.

"I guess there is a first time for everything and that's how you have to look at it," said Harang of his control issues. "I thought I was making some good pitches, but I guess they were not good enough."