Cubs 2, Marlins 0
CHICAGO -- Kyle Hendricks made the most of one run while scattering five hits through 7 1/3 shutout innings in a 2-0 Chicago Cubs victory over the Miami Marlins on Sunday.
The right-handed Hendricks (4-4) won his second straight and third outing since June 7. Right-handed reliever Jason Motte worked a one-two-three ninth for his fourth save.
The Cubs scored what to be the winning run in the bottom of the first on a Mat Latos wild pitch.
But other than the botched throw, Latos (3-6) was as effective as Hendricks in Sunday's pitcher's duel, giving up a season-low one hit in seven innings.
The victory was second in three series games by the Cubs (44-36) while the Marlins (35-48) have now dropped two of their last three.
Hendricks left with one out in the eighth inning as the Marlins brought up Mike Morse to pinch-hit for Latos.
Morse struck out looking against Cubs right-handed reliever Pedro Strop in his first at-bat since rejoining Miami on Sunday following a nearly five-week stay on the disabled list.
Hendricks had his second straight shutout outing and third of the season while working into the eighth inning. He struck out six and walked just one while throwing 91 pitches.
Latos allowed one run on one hit, the fewest he has allowed this season. He struck out seven and walked a pair.
The Cubs took a 1-0 lead when left fielder Chris Coghlan scored from third on Latos' wild pitch on a 2-1 pitch while facing shortstop Starlin Castro.
Miami threatened in the seventh as left fielder Christian Yelich walked to open the inning and reached scoring position on shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria's base hit to right-center with none out.
But Hendricks escaped any damage as the next two batters flied out and third baseman Derek Dietrich grounded to Hendricks for the final out.
The Cubs made it 2-0 in the eight as Coghlan's two-out base hit off right-handed reliever Carter Capps scored pinch hitter Chris Denorfia, who had reached on a leadoff double to deep right-center.
NOTES: Miami has an off-day Monday before opening a two-game interleague series at Boston. Marlins RHP Dan Haren (6-5, 3.45 ERA) meets Red Sox LHP Wade Miley (8-7, 4.53 ERA). ... The Marlins optioned RHP Jarred Cosart to Triple-A New Orleans after he allowed seven runs in 1 2/3 innings on Saturday against the Cubs. They also activated 1B Michael Morse from the disabled list prior to Sunday's series finale. ... Chicago returns to NL Central play with a four-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals starting with a single game on Monday. LHP Jon Lester (4-6, 3.74 ERA) goes against Cardinals RHP John Lackey (6-5, 3.30 ERA). ... The teams then meet in a day-night Tuesday doubleheader, including a makeup from an April rainout. ... Cubs RF Jorge Soler was activated from the 15-day disabled list (left ankle sprain) on Sunday and was inserted in the starting lineup. To make room, the Cubs optioned OF Matt Szczur to Triple-A Iowa. ... Cubs LF Chris Coghlan's current consecutive games played streak hit 144 on Sunday, the longest active run in the major leagues.