Together, they worked baseball fundamentals to the hilt, ushering Daytona to a 3-0 victory in Florida State League action at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

"I knew from the way the guys were talking that we would get some clutch hits tonight," Marshall said after throwing seven innings of two-hit ball. "Our hitters were really frustrated at not picking up some baserunners on Saturday night, so this was a good night to be on the mound."

Marshall (4-2), who was followed by two no-hit innings from reliever Randy Wells, pitched shutout ball for the fifth time in nine starts to improve his earned run average to 1.73.

"I really felt good out there," said Marshall, a lanky 6-6, 195-pound lefthander. "My fastball and change were working well, but I struggled a little with my curve. I mixed in a cutter some just to keep the hitters off balance."

Marshall allowed only four baserunners in his seven innings -- but never more than one per inning and only one past first base.

Wells, only in his second season as a pitcher after two years as what he as "a weak-hitting catcher," notched his first save by retiring all six Reds he faced in the final two innings. He sent the first five Reds he saw to the dugout as strikeout victims.

"Since I haven't been pitching that long, I'd have to say this was a good finish for me," said Wells. "I'm just glad to be able to contribute to this victory."

So was Daytona manager Richie Zisk, who was relaxed in the clubhouse after the Cubs had shelved a five-game losing streak while halting Sarasota's four-game win streak.

"Errorless ball, timely hitting, great pitching," Zisk said. "That's the secret to winning, and that's what we had out there tonight. Streaks follow streaks, so maybe we've started one now in the other direction."

Sarasota, which struck out 10 times, only sent 29 batters to the plate in the game.

"Marshall was very good. He threw 99 pitches. The two early runs we got (first inning) established a positive tone for Sean and for our team. He was in control throughout his work, and Wells was outstanding -- for the second straight night.

"Randy's intensity level is amazing. You'll not find too many relievers who have the confidence he does. He's a real prospect, especially for someone with such little experience."

OF NOTE: Cubs leadoff hitter