Dempster Gets Nod As Cubs' Opening Day Pitcher
MESA, Ariz (AP) — Veteran right-hander Ryan Dempster will make his second straight opening day start for the Chicago Cubs, facing the Washington Nationals and Stephen Strasburg at Wrigley Field on April 5.
Dempster, 10-14 with a 4.80 ERA last season in 34 starts, got the nod Friday from manager Dave Sveum over Matt Garza.
In the season opener a year ago, Dempster was the losing pitcher against the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving up six runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings.
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