CHICAGO (AP) Kyle Hendricks and four relievers combined on a five-hitter, Addison Russell had a two-run single to key a five-run sixth inning, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Texas Rangers 6-0 on Friday in a matchup of slumping division leaders.
The Cubs returned from the All-Star break to win for the seventh time in 22 games, while the Rangers lost their eighth in 10 games thanks to a rough sixth that included Prince Fielder's throwing error.
As Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester have struggled lately, Hendricks (8-6) has remained sharp. The former Rangers draft pick lowered his team-best ERA to 2.41, allowing three hits with three strikeouts in six innings.
Carl Edwards Jr. struck out two in a perfect seventh and Travis Wood, Pedro Strop and Justin Grimm combined for the final six outs in Chicago's eighth shutout.
Russell's bases-loaded hit in the sixth was followed by pinch-hitter Matt Szczur's two-run single against Martin Perez (7-6).
One of the runs was unearned after Fielder fired a throw high and wide of third in a rare start at first base due to interleague play.
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