Volstad in line for win despite second rain delay

While it’s not yet official, Chris Volstad is on the verge of winning his first game since July 17, 2011.

The Cubs were leading 5-0 after eight innings when the game was delayed by rain for the second time. For Volstad, the wait will be well worth it because he’s in line for the win that will end his pursuit of the major-league record for most consecutive starts without a victory.

Volstad got a standing ovation from the few rain-drenched fans remaining when he left in the seventh inning after allowing three hits and no runs in 6 2/3 innings. The Cubs led 2-0 at the time but by leaving two men on, Volstad was one swing away from taking a 3-2 lead and sending Volstad spiralling to his 25th start without a win.

Fortunately for him, Manuel Corpas got Jonathan Herrera to ground to second to end the inning. The Cubs bullpen kept the Rockies scoreless the rest of the way for the team’s ninth shutout of the season and to help Volstad snap his winless streak at 24 consecutive starts. The record, shared by Matt Keough and Jo-Jo Reyes, is 28.

Starlin Castro doubled and scored on Darwin Barney’s fielder’s choice in the second and the Cubs added a run in the sixth when Barney’s soft single to center scored Castro again. Until his seventh-inning blooper, Barney had been in a 3-for-33 skid after hitting .340 in 14 games from July 29 through Aug. 13, prompting him to take extra batting practice after Saturday’s loss.

The Cubs blew the game open with three runs in the eighth inning.