CHICAGO – Jeff Samardzija’s desire to start for the Cubs wasn’t a secret during the offseason and spring training.

He took a big step in proving the doubters wrong against the Washington Nationals on Sunday at Wrigley Field. In his first start since 2010, Samardzija came within one strike of a complete game in the longest outing of his career. The Nationals managed just four hits and one earned run off Samardzija as the Cubs won their first game of the season, 4-3.

“I really feel like I have a chip on my shoulder because I talked a big game about wanting to start and made it public,” Samardzija said. “I don’t want to look like an idiot.”