A Tip of the Recap – March 11th

Break out the champagne, the Cubs won their first Spring Training game with a 4-3 victory over the LA Dodgers at Sloan Park.

The Good

Jon Lester was absolutely on cruise control through the first 2 2/3 innings before giving up back-to-back hits, but was bailed out by an outstanding barehand effort by Mike Olt and an awesome play on the throw by Anthony Rizzo.

Lester finished the day with 3 innings of 3 hit, scoreless baseball with 2 Ks and 0 walks.

Mike Olt continued his fantastic spring by going 2 for 3 at the plate with a run scored. Like I said before, he made a great play to get Lester out of the inning in the 3rd as well.

Mike Baxter came up with the bases loaded and two outs in the 2nd inning and delivered a clutch two-run single to right center.

Chris Coghlan had another good day at the plate even though he went hitless; he had some great ABs, drove in a run with a sac fly and drew another walk (his 4th of the spring).

Albert Almora made an outstanding catch running back towards the wall and catching the ball over his shoulder (Willie Mays style).

Phil Coke made his Cubs debut and pitched a scoreless inning in relief, striking out one and walking another. The walk was after he battled back from a 3-0 count to bring it full, but he looked very good for his first time out this spring.

Tommy La Stella started the bottom of the 8th with a walk then came around to score on a sac fly by Adron Chambers for the winning run.

Zac Rosscup pitched a perfect 9th inning for the save; striking out 2 and continuing his walkless (and hitless) spring.

Lots of good things today, but one of the best things was the fact that the Cubs committed ZERO errors today, only the 2nd game all spring that they have done that.

The Bad

Arismendy Alcantara went 0 for 3 and left 7 men on base. He came to plate twice with the bases loaded (once with one out) and failed to do any damage at all. He even failed to “Respect 90” on his 2nd AB of the game and pretty much respected only 45 feet as he didn’t hustle down the line.

The Ugly

Brian Schlitter was awful again today. In his 1 inning of work he gave up 3 runs on 4 hits, which brings his spring total to 8 earned runs in 2 innings pitched (ERA of 36.00).

On Deck

The Cubs look to make it 2 wins in a row when the go up against the Angels at 3:10 PM (CST). Jason Hammel will make his 2nd start of the Spring for the Cubs. Will Ferrell will also be making an appearance for the Cubs as he attempts to play all 9 positions in Cactus League games tomorrow.