Spring Training Game Thirty-Five: Cubs (17-15-1) vs. Angels (22-6-1)
Game Time – 3:05pm C.T.
Coverage – TV: MLB Network, MLB.TV – Radio: Gameday Audio (MLB.com)
Location – HoHoKam Park, Mesa
Sean Marshall (3-0, 1.93/1.03) vs. Nick Adenhart (2-0, 3.26/1.09)
Countdown to Opening Day…6 days. The last day of March and the next to the last game at HoHoKam Park for the Cubs in the 2009 Cactus League schedule. Sean Marshall will make his final spring start today. Depending on how the Cubs handle Rich Harden, if they skip Marshall the first time through the rotation, today could be his last start until at least the Cardinals series at Wrigley (April 16-April 19).
David Patton is also expected to pitch today. Sean Marshall was not pleased with his last outing against the Giants. Marshall had trouble standing on the mound due to the strong winds in Scottsdale last Thursday but did not use it as an excuse for his poor start.
Marshall walked five batters in four innings of work and ended up allowing two runs on four hits with the five walks and two strikeouts.
This spring, Marshall has allowed six runs, five earned, in seven games, six starts. In 23 1/3 innings he has issued only six walks while striking out 13…of the 18 hits allowed, only one has been a home run.
The Cubs offense will face one of the Angels’ young guns today. Nick Adenhart was ranked as the second best prospect in their system prior to last season…and this year Baseball America thinks Nick Adenhart is the top prospect in their organization.
Last year for the Angels, Adenhart posted a 1-0 record in three starts, with a 9.00 ERA.
This spring Adenhart has not disappointed. In five games, four starts, he has allowed 10 runs, seven earned, on 17 hits with four walks and 13 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball….