Lester sets Cubs record for strikeouts by lefty

The Chicago Cubs have to be satisfied with the early returns of Jon Lester's six-year, $155-million deal.

Lester has helped form one of the top one-two punches in the National League along with Jake Arrieta, and the three-time All-Star helped write his way into the franchise record books with his performance Wednesday.

After picking up a fifth-inning strikeout of Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ivan De Jesus Jr., Lester surpassed Ken Holtzman's franchise record of 202 strikeouts by a left-hander, set in 1970.

Lester, however, remains well off the overall record of 274 strikeouts, set by Ferguson Jenkins, also in 1970.

The Cubs would cruise to the 10-3 win, with Lester allowing one run off three hits in eight innings while striking out nine.