7/18 Extra bases

* Despite going 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position on Tuesday, the Cubs are batting .296 with RISP in July after posting a .199 RISP average in June.

* The Marlins are 4-0 against the Cubs this year.

* Before giving up nine runs Tuesday, Cubs pitching had given up six runs in the previous five games combined. They have a 2.55 ERA in the last six games, including a 1.65 ERA by the bullpen.

* Ryan Dempster, scheduled to start Friday against the Cardinals, is the sixth pitcher since 1900 to win five straight starts in one season and not give up a run in those games. He joins Doc White (1904 White Sox), Don Drysdale (six straight starts for the 1968 Dodgers), Bob Gibson (1968 Cardinals), Orel Hershiser (1988 Dodgers) and Brandon Webb (2007 Diamondbacks).

– Carrie Muskat