Dempster threw seven scoreless innings and Steve Clevenger laced a two-run double as the Cubs took the series opener from Boston, 3-0 in Chicago.

Dempster (3-3), who has been the subject of rampant trade rumors recently, turned in a dominating effort with plenty of focus directed his way. The veteran right-hander yielded just four hits and walked two while striking out three.

Closer Carlos Marmol loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth on a hit, an error and a walk but got Dustin Pedroia to ground into a fielder's choice to lock up his third save.

Dempster also added a pair of hits, including a triple, and David DeJesus drove in a run for the Cubs, who won improved to 4-10 in June.

Daisuke Matsuzaka (0-2) was making his second start of the season for the Red Sox and struggled early. The right-hander issued all three of his walks in the first inning before Clevenger made him pay with the RBI double to left.

Dempster's one-out triple in the second set up Chicago's third run, as DeJesus followed with a single two batters later.

Matsuzaka settled down to retire the final eight batters he faced and was charged with three runs on four hits while striking out three.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Former Red Sox general manager and current Cubs president Theo Epstein was on the field prior to the game, visiting with his former players and employees. … Red Sox LF Scott Podsednik went 2-for-4 to raise his average to .382 and stole a pair of bases. … Dempster's triple, which was aided by a misplay in right by Adrian Gonzalez, was the second of his career and first since 2002. … Boston is 3-8 in its last 11 games.