Cubs Pitchers Just Had Their Most Dominant Stretch Since 1976

The Cubs have won four games in a row and almost had their third straight shutout before the Diamondbacks scored in the ninth inning of Friday's game. That snapped a 31-inning scoreless streak for the Cubs pitching staff, going back to the fourth inning of Monday's game against the Marlins.

That 31-inning scoreless streak was the most dominating stretch from Cubs pitchers since 1976.

And this stretch has been without left-hander Jon Lester, who's been out with a hamstring strain. During his absence, the rotation has been spectacular, capped off by Kyle Hendricks on Friday, when he struck out 11 and only gave up three hits in seven innings.

One last note on the scoreless streak. The Cubs have only had two other longer scoreless streaks than 31 innings.

Hendricks finally returned to his vintage self on Friday and that was after Jose Quintana and Cole Hamels have been amazing in their last four starts combined.

Lester threw a simulated game and Joe Maddon said it's possible that he could return to the starting rotation next week against the Dodgers.

Yu Darvish will start today and Tyler Chatwood will start tomorrow.