Spring Training Game Five: Cubs (1-3) vs. Athletics (SS) (4-1)
- Game Time – 2:05pm CST
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Cubs Park, Mesa
Kyle Hendricks (0-0, -.–, -.–) vs. Tommy Milone (0-1, 13.50, 3.00)
The Cubs return home this afternoon for a matchup against an Oakland A’s split squad. While Kyle Hendricks tries to limit the Athletics for a couple of innings, the other half of Oakland’s spring roster will host the Brewers at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Kyle Hendricks makes his first Cactus League start this afternoon. Hendricks was lights out in the Intrasquad game last Wednesday. Hendricks is coming off a sensational season in which he earned Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors.
Len Kasper and Mick Gillispie have the call today on Cubs.com.
And this afternoon all starts with Kyle Hendricks …
Kyle Hendricks was excellent last year in his first full season in the Cubs’ system. Hendricks began the year with Double-A Tennessee and posted a 10-3 record in 21 starts with a 1.85 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. In 126 1/3 innings, Hendricks struck out 101 batters with only 26 walks and 107 hits allowed. Hendricks was promoted to Triple-A Iowa and went 3-1 in six starts with a 2.48 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. In 40 innings, Hendricks allowed 35 hits with eight walks and 27 strikeouts.
Chris Bosio is in Hendricks’ corner but the 24-year old right hander is ticketed for Iowa’s rotation to begin the season. If Hendricks keeps pitching the way he has over the past one-plus seasons, he will make his big league debut at some point during the upcoming year.
The Cubs offense will have to deal with lefty Tommy Milone for three innings today. Milone makes his second start of the spring and will look to put his first Cactus League outing behind him. Milone gave up three runs on four hits with two walks and one strikeout in two innings to the Brewers.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …