It's probably a combination of the long string of consecutive games that the Cubs are in, and the fact that Gaudin threw 52 pitches yesterday. It's not like they're stretching Dempster out in this game..they're just not taking him out early. Samardzija could pitch the last 2. Howry 1. Marmol or Wood 1. 90 pitches isn't a short outing. He was at 90 before this inning. It's not like Dempster is a 20 year old rookie. He should be fine. While Demp isnt 20, he also hasnt thrown this many innings in years. His pitch count, and innings need to be watched carefully.