Printer-Friendly Format     E-mail this article     Jeff Samardzija.

Here is a brief recap of the former All-American's two appearances with the Chicago Cubs.

July 28, 2008

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -

July 28, 2008

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Former All-American wide receiver and all-BIG EAST pitcher Jeff Samardzija made his MLB debut this past weekend for the Chicago Cubs. He appeared in two games and struck out five in 4.0 innings of work.

Samardzija (Valparaiso, Ind.) first appeared for the Northsiders in the seventh inning of Friday afternoon's 3-2 defeat to the Florida Marlins. The right-hander fanned his first career batter and clocked 99-mph on the radar gun, but was eventually touched up for an earned run on two hits in the frame. Samardzija did come back to retire the side 1-2-3 in the eighth.

The fifth-round selection in the 2006 MLB draft then registered his first career save in Sunday's 9-6 victory over the Marlins. Samardzija tossed a 2.0 perfect innings of relief with three strikeouts.

Here are a number of stories surrounding Samardzija's call-up to the Cubs and his first career appearances.

Monday, July 28

Samardzija Saves Cubs Comeback (WSBT)

Samardzija Gets Save, Piniella Praise In Cubs' Win (Chicago Daily Herald)

24 Hours In Cubbyland (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)

First Career Save For Shark (WNDU)

Shark Gets First Save (Chicago Tribune)

Shark Likely To Hang Around (Gary Post Tribune)

Samardzija's Ascent To Majors Fast (Chicago Sun Times)

Saturday, July 26

Samardzija Delights Wrigley Crowd (Chicago Tribune)

Friday, July 25

Shark To Cubs (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)

Shark Gets The Call (WNDU)

Shark Expected To Be Called Up (Chicago Tribune)

Shark Called Up To The Show (NWI Times)

Shark To Join Cubs Friday (Gary Post Tribune)

Shark May Start This Weekend (Chicago Sun Times)

-- ND --