Spring Training Game Thirty-One: Cubs (11-17-2) vs. Mets (7-17-5)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: WGN-TV, MLB.TV – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Cashman Field, Las Vegas
Jason Hammel (2-1, 5.12, 1.24) vs. Steven Matz (0-2, 6.27, 1.45)
The Cubs will look for two straight over the Mets this afternoon and the first ‘series’ win of the year. The Cubs manufactured a win on Thursday night as the pitching staff held the Mets to one run while not walking a single batter.
Jason Hammel gets the ball today in his last spring start. Kyle Schwarber should be behind the plate. Hammel’s next start will be one week from today at Chase Field against the high-powered Diamondbacks’ offense.
The Cubs have won three straight spring games and will go for their fourth in a row this afternoon. Today is the Mets final exhibition game of the spring. Terry Collins’ team hasn’t posted a win in its last 14 games dating back to March 17.
Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies have the telecast on WGN-TV. And Mick Gillispie has the call on the ‘radio’ side for the last time this spring on Cubs.com.
This afternoon all starts with Jason Hammel …
Jason Hammel had a very good spring in the Valley, even with his rough start the last time out against the Seattle. Hammel ran into Robinson Cano and the Mariners and he could not complete five innings before Joe Maddon went to his bullpen. Hammel was charged with nine runs on eight hits (two home runs) with three walks and four strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.
Prior to his start against the Mariners, Hammel allowed two earned runs on 11 hits in four appearances. The mechanical adjustments he made in the off-season produced results this spring.
In five Cactus League starts, Hammel was charged with 12 runs, 11 earned, on 19 hits with five walks and 18 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings.
Steven Matz is coming off, statistically, his best outing of the spring. Matz held Dusty Baker’s Nationals to one run on one hit (home run by Clint Robinson) with four walks and five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Matz makes his fifth and final Spring Training start this afternoon.
In five games, four starts, in the Grapefruit League, Matz has allowed 13 runs, all earned, on 16 hits with 11 walks and 15 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …