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Odorizzi dominates, strikes out 9 in 6 innings as Rays beat Cubs 4-0

Associated Press
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Tampa Bay Rays starter Jake Odorizzi throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of an interleague baseball game in Chicago, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez, left, tags out Tampa Bay Rays' Matt Joyce at second base during the second inning of an interleague baseball game in Chicago, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

Jake Odorizzi struck out nine in six scoreless innings and combined with two relievers on a five-hitter to lead the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

Evan Longoria drove in a run and scored two. Yunel Escobar added two hits and three RBIs. Ben Zobrist had two hits and scored twice for the Rays, who improved to a major league-best 15-6 since July 12. They will try to complete the three-game sweep on Sunday.

Odorizzi (8-9) gave up three hits and didn't walk a batter. The right-hander came within two strikeouts of his career high after getting hit hard in a loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.

Chicago starter Edwin Jackson (6-12) allowed four runs — three earned — and five hits in six innings. He is 1-5 in his past nine starts.