Spring Training Game Seven: Cubs (1-5) vs. Padres (3-2-1)
Game Time – 2:05pm CST
Coverage – TV: None – Radio: WGN Radio
Location – HoHokam Park, Mesa
Andrew Cashner (0-1, 9.00/2.00) vs. Wade LeBlanc (0-0, 9.00/1.50)
After a horrible start to the Cactus League schedule, the Cubs have played better ball over the last two days. Q’s crew did not commit an error for the first time Friday, now they just need to work on throwing strikes. The pen has blown two four-run leads in the last two games. It is time for the pen to show some improvement as the first week of the exhibition games comes to an end.
Andrew Cashner took the loss against the Brewers last Monday at HoHoKam. Cashner gave up two runs on three hits with a walk in two innings. After his first outing of the spring, Cashner said he felt he had good stuff but he did not like where the ball went. The Cubs really want Cashner in the rotation to start the year, but if he’s not ready Cashner will begin the year in the pen. The Cubs want Cashner’s talent at the Major League level.
Randy Wells, who started the game against the Brewers, will follow Cashner this time around. Wells pitched two innings of scoreless ball. Wells struck out one and surrendered two hits (0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP). Wade LeBlanc will make his second start of the spring for the Friars. LeBlanc is battling for the fifth starter spot in San Diego’s rotation. LeBlanc surrendered two runs on three hits with four strikeouts and no walks in his first two innings of the spring.
In other spring news … Fernando Perez was able to take batting practice Friday and could return to the field Sunday … just in time for the Cubs first split-squad games of the spring.
Today’s game will be broadcast on WGN Radio. Pat Hughes has the weekend off so today’s exhibition will be called by Len Kasper and Keith Moreland. The Cubs first telecast of the spring is Sunday (WGN). Kasper will go over to the TV side with his partner Bob Brenly and Dave Eanet will join Zonk in the booth … both TV and radio will be at HoHoKam for the game against the Dodgers. The other half of the Cubs roster will be in Goodyear facing Dusty Baker and the Reds.
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