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Scherzer gets another start when Diamondbacks face Cubs

May 10, 2008 - 1:24 PM Arizona (23-13) at Chicago Cubs (20-15) 3:40 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) - Max Scherzer's rotation debut was not exactly the stuff of legend, but it has not dimmed the hopes of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Scherzer will take his second turn in the rotation Saturday when the Diamondbacks visit the Chicago Cubs.

The rookie righthander made a big splash out of the bullpen on April 29, making his major league debut against the Houston Astros with 4 1/3 perfect innings and striking out seven.

But the 23-year-old's first start was not as impressive. Scherzer (0-1, 5.40 ERA) surrendered five runs and eight hits in four innings, striking out five and walking two while suffering a loss against the Phillies.

If Scherzer had trouble with a Philadelphia lineup that ranks fourth in the National League in runs scored, the Cubs - at second in the category - will pose an even bigger challenge.

Chicago took the first game of the series Friday afternoon, 3-1, as Ted Lilly struck out 10 in seven strong innings. Derrek Lee hit his ninth homer of the season in the win.

Righthander Ryan Dempster (4-1, 2.72) will go for the Cubs on Saturday. The converted closer gave up five unearned runs and four hits in six innings, walking one while striking out seven, to suffer a loss during Monday's 5-3 setback to the Cincinnati Reds.