Jeff Samardzija began the season as the Chicago Cubs' No. 1 starter practically by default thanks to injuries to veterans Matt Garza and Scott Baker. Don't expect the quickly improving Samardzija to give up the spot anytime soon. The lanky right-hander allowed just two hits and struck out nine over eight nearly flawless innings as the Cubs held off the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1 on Monday for their first opening day victory in four years.
