The Chicago Cubs traveled back to Mesa to take on the Colorado Rockies. The Cubs improved their Cactus League record to 3-1 with a 4-2 win over the Rockies.
Edwin Jackson made his Cubs debut and was sharp. Jackson gave up back-to-back singles to start the inning, but did get out of the jam with no runs. On the day, Jackson gave up 0 runs or walks in his 2 innings of work.
Chris Rusin, who is competing for a roster spot in the bullpen was sharp as well. He did not disappoint the coaching staff or the front office. Rusin gave up 2 hits, but 0 runs or walks in his 2 innings of work. Rusin also picked off ex-Cub Tyler Colvin at 1st base.
Christian Villanueva, whom the Cubs acquired in the Ryan Dempster trade last July showed his muscles as he hit a home run to left field. Villanueva will not make the team out of camp. but could be the future.
Brett Jackson continues his good spring with a deep sac fly to the warning track in center field driving home Starlin Castro. Jackson won’t make the team out of camp, but I say we’ll see him back-up in June.
Dave Sappelt showed some pop in his bat as he hit a solo home run to left field. Sappelt is competing to be the 5th OF on the roster and I do expect him to win.
Ex-Cubs alert: Tyler Colvin went 1-3 with a single in the game. Colvin is not having a good spring, batting only .167. DJ LeMahieu did not start the game, but did have a triple as a pinch-hitter later in the game.
I wish the Cubs can carry over the spring success to the regular season, but that’s unlikely.
Today the Cubs will stay in Mesa and take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at 2 p.m. Central.