Spring Training Game Nine: Cubs (1-6-1) vs. Angels (3-4)
- Game Time – 3:10pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: MLB Network – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Tempe Diablo Stadium, Tempe
Jason Hammel (0-1, 13.50, 2.50) vs. Sean Newcomb (0-0, 0.00, 1.00)
The Cubs will shoot to keep that winning feeling in the clubhouse this afternoon against the Angels. Joe Maddon’s team makes the short trip from Mesa to Tempe to take on the defending AL West Champs after posting its first win of the spring on Wednesday.
Joe Maddon pushed the right buttons prior to Wednesday’s game. The Cubs responded with a better effort and appeared to just enjoy playing baseball, instead of trying too much.
There will be an extra player in both dugouts today. Will Ferrell will suit up for the Cubs and Angels this afternoon as part of his goal to play all nine positions for 10 teams in five Spring Training parks today. Ferrell is expected to play a position in the Cubs’ infield.
Will Ferrell is donating the money raised to the fight against cancer.
Jason Hammel makes his second start and should be followed by Felix Doubront again today. The Cubs play only one game today before splitting the squad for the weekend. Dave Martinez and half the spring roster leaves for Las Vegas and will spend two days playing the A’s at Cashman Field while Joe Maddon stays in the valley.
Today all starts with Jason Hammel …
Jason Hammel barely made it out of the first inning last Saturday at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Hammel gave up a three-run homer to Nolan Arenado in a very long, 36-pitch first inning. Hammel was better in the second inning before turning the game over to Felix Doubront.
Jason Hammel allowed three run on four hits with a walk, a strikeout and a wild pitch. Hammel threw 49 pitches, 30 for strikes, in two innings.
Felix Doubront should be on the pitching schedule for today. Doubront completed two innings in relief of Hammel and allowed one run on four hits to the Rockies. Doubront did not walk a batter and struck out one on 30 pitches, 20 for strikes.
With Jacob Turner starting the season on the DL and Tsuyoshi Wada slowed by injuries, Doubront is competing with Travis Wood and Edwin Jackson for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Sean Newcomb makes his first spring start today. Newcomb gave up a hit and picked up a strikeout against the Royals last Sunday. Newcomb completed one inning, the lefty should go at least two frames today. C.J. Wilson was scheduled to face the Cubs but was scratched after injuring his left knee during PFP drills.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …