Cubs' John Lackey: Takes loss despite sparkling performance

Lackey (4-2) tossed eight spectacular innings against the Padres on Wednesday, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven, but was stuck with a hard-luck loss.

Analysis:

He got the start in the back end of a doubleheader and watched his mates get shut down by opposing starter Drew Pomeranz and three relievers, ruining one of his finest outings on the season. It's been an up-and-down start for the veteran righty -- he's given up six runs twice, but only seven total earned runs in his other five outings, including two 11-strikeout performances. That said, Lackey's got a strong offense in front of him and has shown surprisingly improved bat-missing ability so far this year. At a spritely 37 years of age, he's sitting on the highest strikeout rate of his career at 8.75 K/9.