Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel stuck out 11 batters during Monday evening's 5-1 win over the Marlins.
Hammel gave up only earned run in the outing on five hits. He didn't walk anyone through 6 2/3 innings. His 11 strikeouts were a career-high for Hammel.
"We changed speeds pretty well early today," Hammel said, via MLB.com. "With (Miami), they're an early fastball-hitting team. So we kind of pitched backwards the first few innings, and it opened up the fastball for later.
"With my success, I had to learn after a while that if you walk guys and put guys on, you're putting yourself in trouble," Hammel said. "So I found success in the strike zone instead of outside the strike zone."
Hammel now has thrown 28 strikeouts over his last three games and has a 2.82 ERA for the season.
His next start is projected for Saturday against the Nationals.