--RHP Ryan Dempster, who started Thursday against the Phillies, is the third pitcher since 1969 to have 25 saves in one season and at least 15 victories the next. The others were John Hiller and Mike Marshall, who both accomplished the feat in 1973-74. Both did it as relief pitchers. Dempster was the Cubs' closer last year before moving to the rotation in 2008. He did not get a decision against the Phillies after winning his previous three starts. "He didn't have his real, real good stuff," manager Lou Piniella said. "I think the next time out, we'll shorten him up"

--SS Ryan Theriot went 1-for-4 after a 2-for-11 trip to Pittsburgh over three games. Theriot faded badly last September, and manager Lou Piniella has said he'll get Theriot a break from time to time down the stretch this year.

--RHP Kerry Wood worked in his fourth consecutive game over four days in earning his 28th save. Manager Lou Piniella may have to turn to RHP Carlos Marmol if he needs a save Friday. With the Cubs trailing for most of Thursday's game, Piniella did not use Marmol.

BY THE NUMBERS: 650 -- The Cubs' single-season record for walks drawn by their batters in a season, set in 1975. The Cubs are on pace to break that record by two this year. It's a far cry from recent Cubs teams, including last year, when they finished 15th in the NL with 500 walks.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We have a lot of confidence in ourselves. We trust each other. It's not a two-man show, a three-man show. It's a bunch of guys strewn throughout the lineup who are capable of getting it done." -- INF/OF Mark DeRosa, who homered in four consecutive games last week.