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VandenHurk goes for second straight strong start vs. Cubs

Jul 27, 2008 - 2:26 PM Florida (55-49) at Chi Cubs (60-44), 2:20 p.m. EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Rick VandenHurk looks to add to his string of no-hit innings Sunday when the Florida Marlins visit the suddenly struggling Chicago Cubs Sunday at Wrigley Field.

VandenHurk (1-1, 6.10 ERA) did not allow a hit while striking out seven in five innings Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves in his return to the Marlins' rotation. Three relievers combined to allow one hit over the final four innings to secure a 4-0 shutout.

The 23-year-old Netherlands native was removed after 94 pitches, having walked five batters. The righthander has issued eight walks but has recorded 14 strikeouts in 10 1/3 total innings in the majors this season.

The entire Florida pitching staff has been helped of late by Jeremy Hermida, who has slugged five homers in the last eight games, including three against the Cubs.

Hermida provided the winning margin in Friday's game when he hit a solo home in the ninth inning to lead the Marlins to a 3-2 win. He picked up the pace Saturday, clubbing two solo homers - his second knotting the score in the eighth - among three hits as Florida again won, 3-2, in 12 innings.

Saturday's setback marked Chicago's sixth loss in nine games since the All-Star break. The Cubs have averaged just 1.33 runs during the losses and have fallen into a first-place tie with the surging Milwaukee Brewers (60-44) in the National League Central Division.

The Cubs will look to end their slide behind righthander Jason Marquis (6-6, 4.44), who has not earned a win since June 21 despite allowing three runs or less in three of four starts during the span.