Spring Training Game Fourteen: Cubs (5-8) vs. White Sox (5-3)
- Game Time – 2:05pm CST
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – HoHoKam Park, Mesa
Carlos Villanueva (0-0, 7.36/2.18) vs. Jose Quintana (1-0, 0.00/0.00)
After winning three of their first four Cactus League games, the Cubs have dropped six of the last seven and will look to get back in the spring win column this afternoon against the White Sox.
The Cubs and Sox square off a total of six times this year … two times in the Cactus League and four times in the regular season. The Cubs make the trip to Glendale next Friday (March 15) then travel to the South Side for a pair of games at the Cell at the end of May (May 27-May 28). The Cubs host the Sox at Wrigley on May 29 and May 30.
While the Cubs could not put together a complete game on Wednesday, the Sox had the day off and it figures to be an interesting afternoon at HoHoKam Park.
Spring Training, or not, it’s the Cubs versus the Sox and today it all starts with Carlos Villanueva …
Carlos Villanueva makes his third start of the spring this afternoon. Villanueva had a rough start against the Dodgers his first time out, but settled down in his last start against the Giants. Villanueva made only one big mistake in his three innings against San Francisco, a bomb off the bat of Pablo Sandoval. Villanueva allowed one run on four hits with a walk and two strikeouts last Friday. In his two appearances this spring, Villanueva has allowed three runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.
Today will be Villanueva’s first start since he found out he will be in the Cubs’ rotation on Opening Day … and he will be the second starting pitcher to hit this spring.
Dale Sveum is expected to run out the following lineup this afternoon:
- David DeJesus – CF
- Darwin Barney – 2B
- Nate Schierholtz – RF
- Alfonso Soriano – LF
- Luis Valbuena – 3B
- Welington Castillo – C
- Brad Nelson – 1B
- Edwin Maysonet – SS
- Carlos Villanueva – P
Jose Quintana makes his second Cactus League start today. Quintana tossed three innings of perfect ball in his last outing. The young lefty did not allow a hit or walk a batter while striking out two. The 24-year old southpaw is coming off an excellent first season with the Sox. In 25 games, 22 starts, a year ago, Quintana posted a 6-6 record with a 3.76 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …