Cubs' John Lackey: Throws second straight scoreless outing

Lackey (7-2) tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits, no walks and striking out eight in a 8-1 victory over the Phillies on Wednesday afternoon.

Analysis:

The 37-year-old has thrown two straight scoreless outings, striking out 17 and walking just two in 13.2 innings. Dating back to his start on May 29, Lackey has allowed one run in the last 20.2 frames (0.45 ERA). The biggest surprise for Lackey through the first two months has been the number of strikeouts. He has 84 punchouts in 82 innings, which gives him a 9.1 K/9, by far the highest rate of his career. As impressive as that is, it's hard to see him continuing to strike out nearly two more batters per nine innings than he has throughout the rest of his career. Lackey's next start will be Tuesday versus Washington.