Dempster matches Cubs’ record with 33-inning shutout streak, Chicago beats Arizona 4-1

CHICAGO – Canadian Ryan Dempster tied the Cubs’ record with a 33-inning scoreless streak, pitching six solid frames and leading Chicago over the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 on Saturday.

The Gibsons, B.C., native matched the club shutout streak set by Ken Holtzman in 1969.

Dempster (5-3) allowed four hits and set a career best by winning his fifth straight start. He leads the majors with a 1.86 ERA.

The right-hander struck out five and walked three. With the Cubs far back in the playoff race and Dempster in the last season of a four-year contract, he has become a possible trade option for contending teams.

Darwin Barney hit an RBI double for the Cubs, who have won 11 of their last 15 games.