Did the Cubs Win?
Cubs 3 @ Pirates 2
OSS: Hammel was nails all game, and Bonifacio + Olt provided all necessary offense.
Three Up
1. Jason Hammel pitched a great game. He allowed 2 hits and a walk over 6.2 innings, fanning 5. Great start for Jason.
2. Emilio Bonifacio had a double, a single, and a stolen base. Dude hates to be on first base. He did have a throwing error.
3. Darwin Barney had a “big” day with the stick, drawing the Cubs’ only walk and getting a hit. He also put the ball in play every at-bat.
Three Down
1. James Russell had one job to do and he didn’t do it. Russell was dealing with some dead-arm this spring, so it isn’t all that surprising.
2. John Baker went 0-3 with 2 strikeouts, and collided painfully with Pedro Strop in the 9th. Bad day for the Baker.
3. Justin Ruggiano left 2 on base, going 0-4 in the #3 spot.
Next Game: Today, Travis Wood v. Roberto Hernandez, 1:20 ET
Stargazing
Memphis – Randall Grichuk went 3-4 with a double and a home run. He also walked once. Nice haul for David Freese, all told. Oscar Taveras went 1-4 with a run and a walk. Former Cub Scott Moore went 2-5 with a longball as well.
Iowa – Javier Baez started off 2014 with a walk. He’d strike out twice and have a throwing error. Arismendy Alcantara went 1-5 with a double. Josh Vitters, batting cleanup, went 2-4 with a HR and a SO. He’s gotta be next OF up, right? Sister Christian Villanueva doubled and singled. Bert Jerkson did Bert Jerkson things (0-4, 3 SO).
Stargazing
Pensacola – Devin Mesoraco is presumably rehabbing. He walked twice in his only PA. Mat Latos is definitely rehabbing, and we’ll get to him in a second.
Tennessee – Stephen Bruno went 1-4 with a strikeout. He also stole a base. Rubi Silva doubled and K’d thrice. Jorge Soler doubled, but was pulled out early with a hamstring issue.
Kris Bryant homered and walked. He was also plunked by noted fuck-up Mat Latos. Bryant promptly stole second, because he’s a master at conflict resolution. Latos was not sharp in his start.
Stargazing
Brevard County – Tyrone Taylor is the Brewers top prospect, but he’s not a Top 100 type because the Brewers are a wasteland. He went 2-4 with 2 doubles and drove in the game’s only run. Orlando arcia went 1-4 with another double.
Daytona – Albert Almora went 0-4. He also had a throwing error. Dan Vogelbach went 1-3 and walked, as did Jeimer Candelario. Gioskar Amaya, absolutely disrespected by batting 9th (after Marco motherfucking Hernandez!), went 2-2 with a walk. He’s going to have a monster year. Arodys Vizcaino threw a relief inning and by some accounts dialed it up to 97. Good luck, Hi-A.
Stargazing
Quad Cities – No.
Kane County – Jake Hannemann (formerly Jacob) went 2-5 and scored twice. Yasiel Balaguert (another pick for a big year) went 4-5 with 3 doubles and 2 RBI. Carlos Penalver went 3-3 with a walk, run, and RBI. Paul Blackburn went 4 innings and gave up that many runs. 9 hits, 3 strikeouts, no walks. Very hit-unlucky. James Pugliese, a sleeper prospect, fanned 3 over 2 scoreless frames.