Spring Training Game Eleven: Cubs (4-6) vs. Brewers (ss) (6-5)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Cubs Park, Mesa
Kyle Hendricks (0-0, 4.50, 2.00) vs. Tyler Thornburg (0-1, 5.40, 1.00)
The Cubs begin the second full week of the Cactus League schedule with a meeting against the Brewers at Cubs Park. The Cubs have won two straight spring games and will look to start a winning streak today with a victory over Milwaukee. The Cubs picked up their first win of the spring against the Brewers last Monday in Maryvale.
Ryan Braun is making the trip to Mesa today instead of going to Goodyear where the other half of the Brewers’ spring roster will face the Indians. Braun has moved to right field and he should receive a warm welcome from the Cubs fans in attendance. Braun is off to a good start this spring as he tries to rebuild his tarnished image.
Daylight saving time begins today but Arizona does not recognize the time change. Start times will remain the same in Arizona for the remainder of Spring Training (1:05pm MT), just an hour later everywhere else (3:05pm CDT).
Len Kasper and Mick Gillispie will once again have the call on Cubs.com.
This afternoon all begins with Kyle Hendricks …
Kyle Hendricks makes his second Cactus League start this afternoon. Hendricks struggled with his command last Tuesday at Cubs Park against the Athletics. Hendricks uncharacteristically walked three batters in two innings while surrendering one run on one hit with two strikeouts. Hendricks is a better pitcher than the one that took the hill last Tuesday. And he will look to improve on his first official start of the spring this afternoon.
Anthony Rizzo is expected back in the starting lineup and at first base this afternoon. And Javier Baez will be in the starting lineup at shortstop.
Tyler Thornburg is trying to pitch his way on the Brewers’ Opening Day rotation. Thornburg looked very good last season and put together a 7-4 record in 18 games, seven starts, for the Brewers with a 2.03 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. But with the addition of Matt Garza, Thornburg is battling for a rotation spot with the big league club this spring.
Thornburg makes his third Cactus League start this afternoon. Thornburg has allowed three runs on five hits with no walks and three strikeouts in his first two starts (five innings).
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …