Dempster strikes out 12 to lead Cubs over Padres 4-0

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ted Lilly delivers against the San Diego Padres during the second inning of a baseball game on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

CHICAGO—Ryan Dempster struck out a career-high 12 and hit a go-ahead single against Greg Maddux during a four-run fifth inning, leading the Chicago Cubs over the punchless San Diego Padres 4-0 Thursday.

Jim Edmonds singled in his debut with the Cubs, who won three of four from the team with the worst record in the major leagues (15-27). NL Central-leading Chicago has won six of seven overall.

San Diego batters struck out 14 times in all, a day after whiffing 15 times against Ted Lilly and the Cubs' bullpen. It was the most strikeouts in a span of two nine-inning games since Texas batters had 30 last Aug. 19 and 21, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

The Padres, blanked for the fourth time this season, have the lowest batting average (.233) and fewest runs (140) in the major leagues.

Dempster (5-1) allowed six hits in 8 1-3 innings and walked one, leaving after 115 pitches. He retired 15 straight batters after a first-inning single by Brian Giles, who had three hits.

Dempster appeared set for his first complete game since a six-hitter for Florida against the Cubs on Sept. 25, 2002, until he ran into trouble in the ninth.

Giles led off with a double, prompting a visit from manager Lou Piniella. Dempster struck out Adrian Gonzalez, but was lifted after Kevin Kouzmanoff singled to put runners on first and third.

Kerry Wood struck out Khalil Greene and pinch-hitter Josh Bard for his eighth save in 11 chances.

Maddux, who entered the major leagues with the Cubs in 1986, made what might have been his final start at Wrigley Field. The 42-year-old might retire after this season, and the Padres are not scheduled to return to Wrigley Field this year.

Coming off his 350th win last weekend, Maddux allowed four runs and 11 hits in 4 1-3 innings. He allowed three hits in a scoreless second inning but wasn't as fortunate in the fifth.

Ronny Cedeno, Henry Blanco and Dempster singled to put the Cubs ahead. Alfonso Soriano's single loaded the bases, Ryan Theriot hit a sacrifice fly and Derrek Lee had a two-run double that chased Maddux, who left to a standing ovation.

Edmonds, released by San Diego last week, started in center and went 1-for-4 with a strikeout.