2 min read General Cubs Information

Dodgers – Cubs

By Tim Sheridan
March 30, 2012

Dempster dealing

The Los Angeles Dodgers came to Hohokam for the first time this spring and handed the Cubs a 6-3 loss in front of 10,102 warm sun-drenched fans. The Dodgers were playing a split squad today, while the Cubs fielded what looks to be the opening day lineup, pending any late maneuvers.

Ryan Dempster, who will start opening day next week, had his final rotation turn, and pitched a solid 4.2 innings, giving up 1 run on 4 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. Manuel Corpas entered the game in the sixth and tossed a nice 1-2-3 inning, but stayed in the game for the seventh inning with the score tied at one. Corpas proceeded to give up 3 runs on 2 hits, and a base on balls. The big blow was a 2-run triple by Dodger shortstop Dee Gordon. Rule 5 guy Lendy Castillo came in for Corpas giving up an RBI single, (the run charged to Corpas). Castillo then gave up another run in the eighth inning. Cubs minor leaguer Marcus Hatley allowed the Dodgers final run in the ninth.

Stewart goes yard 

Offensively, Ian Stewart hit a home run in the fourth inning off Dodger’s starter Fernando Nieve, the ball cleared both bullpens in right. Marlon Byrd hit a triple in what really looked like a missed catch in right field by Dodger’s minor leaguer Nick Buss. Alfonso Soriano hit the ball hard today, unfortunately a couple times right at Dodger defenders. Soriano did come through with an RBI double in the eight inning, driving in David DeJesus. Starlin Castro hit a double in the first inning where he slid in awkwardly at second base. The Cubs trainer came out briefly, luckily Castro was fine. On Castro’s double, David DeJesus was rounding third with the green light for home, but stumbled. Having to hold up at third base, Dejesus was left stranded.

Defensively the Cubs made some nice plays including Geovany Soto nailing Dee Gordon on a steal attempt in the first inning. Darwin Barney made an incredible diving stop on a Juan Uribe rocket that had nearly decapitated Dempster. Barney made the throw from his knees that nipped Uribe at first. The Cubs were also charged with a couple errors as Lendy Castillo threw the ball into center field on a pick off play, while Joe Mather coming off the bench to play second base, couldn’t handle an in-between hop grounder.

Next up, the Cubs host the Angels tomorrow at Hohokam. Great to have BOS photographer John Antonoff back! Here are more of his photos from today’s game.

Barney makes diving play

Byrd hits a single

Barney misses lead runner but gets the out at first

DeJesus can’t make sliding grab 

Dempster attempts back handed flip from glove
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