Spring Training Game Six: Cubs (1-4) vs. Royals (4-1)
Game Time – 2:05pm CST
Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com webcast
Location – Surprise Stadium, Surprise
Matt Garza (0-1, 22.50/3.00) vs. Bruce Chen (0-0, 0.00/1.00)
After a better effort Thursday at HoHoKam Park, the Cubs travel to Surprise this afternoon to face the Kansas City Royals. Today is the first of two trips to Surprise, the Cubs return on March 26 to face the Rangers … the Rangers and Royals share the Surprise Stadium complex.
Matt Garza will make his first start, second appearance, of the spring this afternoon. Garza was hit pretty hard in his first outing last Sunday (five runs on five hits, a walk, a strikeout and a grand slam by Coco Crisp in two innings). Garza just missed his spots and threw only fastballs and changeups.
Mike Quade reportedly will not use a designated hitter this afternoon. Quade would rather get Garza a couple of at bats. A majority of the Cubs veteran players are expected to receive a day off after playing three days in a row … Aramis Ramirez, Blake DeWitt and Marlon Byrd are among the players not expected to make the trip.
Tyler Colvin is expected to make his professional debut at first base this afternoon. Colvin has seen time in left and right this spring. The Cubs would like for Colvin to be one of the backups to Carlos Pena when the season begins. Jeff Baker is slated to be Pena’s other backup and he played a couple of innings at first base Wednesday (in Maryvale against the Brewers).
Brett Jackson is also expected to be in the starting lineup. Jackson will patrol centerfield.
Bruce Chen will make his second start of the spring. The Royals have generated a ton of excitement over all of the young talent in their system. The Royals could have a rough year but many feel they are on the verge of becoming the next Tampa Bay Rays.
Bruce Chen did not allow a run in his first outing of the spring. Chen gave up a hit, a walk and struck out one in his two innings of work.
Ned Yost is expected to send Danny Duffy and Blaine Hardy to the mound after Chen. Billy Butler, who has had a huge spring, is expected to return to the starting lineup after getting a day off Thursday.
Today’s game can be heard on Cubs.com via a webcast from Surprise. Len Kasper and Mick Gillispie, the Smokies’ play-by-play announcer, will make the call. The Cubs return to WGN Radio Saturday with the first telecast of the spring Sunday from HoHoKam.
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