More rain but we played the game

Unsung stars of today’s game – The grounds crew

The unusual Arizona weather continued today with a serious downpour causing the start of today’s game to be delayed 48 minutes. Not only that, the temperature at game time was 43 degrees, and according to the Cubs media department it was 49 degrees in Chicago. In all the years I’ve been doing this I don’t recall us being colder than the Windy City for a spring game. Throw in some gusty winds and we once again had a nice simulation for Wrigley in April.

The Brewers scored 2 runs in the 9th to break a 3-3 deadlock and earn a 5-3 win. Of the 8,475 in attendance at Hohokam I give a lot of credit to those 2000 or so fans who stuck around to the end on this blustery day.

Randy Wells got the start and continued to pitch well, tossing a seemingly effortless 3 innings facing the minimum 9 batters with 2 K’s. Carlos Marmol came in for the 4th and allowed 2 runs only 1 earned. Cubs 2009 minor league pitcher of the year Casey Coleman did okay, surrendering 1 run in 2.1 innings but had two walks and hit a batter. Cubs Non-Roster Invitee James Russell struck out the side in the 8th and with the score 3 – 3, Blake Parker came in and surrendered 2 runs to the Brewers in the 9th.

Marlon Byrd and Alfonso Soriano hit back to back doubles, both scored, one on an RBI base hit by Mike Fontenot. Derrek Lee belted a HR in the 3rd inning to account for the final Cubs offense. Ryan Theriot went 2-for-3 and had a stolen base. Starlin Castro showed his speed and inexperience, after a base hit he had second base stolen cleanly only to slide past the bag and get tagged out.

Before batting practice Cubs third base coach Mike Quade did some base running coaching…Castro may need to go over it again.

Adding to the strange day our scoreboard was not working most of the game. I would have done a little play by play to keep the fans more informed however P.A. audio interference during play is not allowed.

I’ve received more Cubs questions which I’ll answer tomorrow since today’s game ran late.

A big thank you to Super Cubs fan Nathan Reuck for these sweet photos from today.

Randy Wells

Yes, it’s a bit cold

Marlon Byrd hits a double

If you’re cold try dancing close

Fontenot

Is it really 6:55?

D-Lee HR trot

Some people don’t feel the cold

Castro an easy steal

Oops, a bit too far