Pitching has been a strength for Cubs

SAN DIEGO -- Friday night's season-worst outing by Edwin Jackson was an anomaly to what has been a Cubs strength this season.

"We've been getting really good pitching," said Cubs manager Rick Renteria.

Going into Friday night's game, the Cubs staff had a 1.40 earned run average over the previous six games. Starting pitchers have produced 25 quality starts this season with a 1.89 ERA in those games. The Cubs, however, are only 10-15 when the starting pitchers allow three or fewer runs in six innings.

The Cubs bullpen has a 1.93 over the past 10 games with 35 strikeouts against 13 walks in 37 1/3 innings.

Overall, the Cubs entered Saturday night's game in San Diego, ranked ninth in the National League with a 3.60 ERA. Cubs starters ranked eighth with a 3.71 ERA while the bullpen ranked seventh with a 3.46 ERA.