Spring Training Game Twenty-Two: Cubs (7-13-1) vs. Rangers (11-10-1)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: Comcast SportsNet, MLB.TV – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Surprise Stadium, Surprise
Kyle Hendricks (0-1, 1.29, 0.57) vs. Derek Holland (2-1, 3.75, 1.83)
The Cubs hit the Spring Training road again today and make the trip back to Surprise, this time to take on the Texas Rangers. This is the only game on the Cactus League schedule between the Cubs and Rangers this spring. The Cubs play the last game in the Valley one week from today at Sloan Park against the Rockies.
Kyle Hendricks faces the organization that selected him in the eighth round of the 2011 draft. The Rangers will actually see at least two pitchers that were originally in their organization this afternoon and early evening.
Following today’s Cactus League contest, the two organizations will square off in the second annual Futures Game, a match-up of top prospects from the Cubs and Rangers systems. First pitch is scheduled for 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Cactus League game.
Carl Edwards Jr. is scheduled to start the prospects game. The Rangers are sending last year’s first round pick, Dillon Tate to the hill in the Futures Game. The Rangers won last year 5-1.
Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies have the moving pictures of this afternoon’s Cactus League game on Comcast SportsNet. Iowa Cubs’ play-by-play man Randy Wehofer will join Mick Gillispie on Cubs.com for the call on the ‘radio’ side.
Today all starts with Kyle Hendricks …
Kyle Hendricks makes his fifth appearance, fourth start, in the Cactus League this afternoon. Hendricks is coming off his third straight excellent start. Hendricks held a majority of the White Sox every day lineup to one run on two hits in five innings his last time out. Hendricks threw strikes and pitched ahead in the count.
Hendricks has looked very good this spring. Hendricks began camp as the Cubs’ fifth starter and he has secured that spot with improved location and mechanics.
In four games this spring, Hendricks has allowed two runs on seven hits with a walk and 14 strikeouts in 14 innings.
Derek Holland was on a roll this spring until his last outing against the World Champs. Holland allowed one run on nine hits over 8 2/3 innings in his first three starts. The Royals put four runs on the board against Holland five days ago. Holland surrendered seven hits, served up two home runs and walked two batters while striking out four.
In four starts, 12 innings, Holland has given up eight runs, five earned, on 16 hits with six walks and seven strikeouts.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …