Cubs Turn D'backs Away at Fitch Park

Rafael Lopez ripped a bases-loaded two-run line-drive single to key a four-run 4th, and Ben Carhart drove-in a run with an RBI single and Chadd Krist followed with a sacrifice fly to highlight a two-run 6th, as the Cubs defeated the Diamondbacks 6-3 in Arizona Instructional League Opening Day action this afternoon at Fitch Park Field #3 in Mesa.

AA Tennessee Smokies RHP Dallas Beeler got the start for the Cubs, and threw 2.2 IP of no-hit ball. But he also struggled with his control, allowing three walks, and throwing only 19 of his 41 pitches for strikes. He left the game with a finger blister on his throwing hand with two outs in the 3rd.

LHP Michael Blake started for the Diamondbacks and threw three innings of shutout ball, and Stryker Trahan doubled and scored and Chuck Taylor belted a two-run triple for the Snakes in a losing cause.

Here is the abridged box score from today’s game (Cubs players only)

CUBS LINEUP:
1a. Arismendy Alcantara, SS: 0-3 (K, F-7, F-7)
1b. Tim Saunders, SS: 0-1 (6-3)
2a. Albert Almora, CF-DH: 1-3 (1B, K, P-6, CS)
2b. Bijan Rademacher, PH: 0-0 (BB, CS)
3a. Dan Vogelbach, 1B: 1-2 (4-3, 1B, R)
3b. Jacob Rogers, 1B: 1-2 (1B, K, R)
4a. Jorge Soler, RF: 0-1 (K, BB, R)
4b. Yasiel Balaguert, RF: 1-1 (1B, R)
5a. Jeimer Candelario, 3B: 0-1 (K, BB, R)
5b. Ben Carhart, 3B: 1-1 (1B, RBI)
6a. Rafael Lopez, C: 1-1 (BB, 1B, R, 2 RBI)
6b. Chadd Krist, C: 0-0 (F-7 SF, RBI)
7a. Marco Hernandez, DH #1: 0-2 (1-3, E-6, SB)
7b. Wilson Contreras, PH: 0-1 (4-U FC)
8a. Gioskar Amaya, 2B: 0-2 (5-3, K)
8b. David Bote, 2B: 0-1 (K)
9a. Trey Martin, LF: 0-2 (K, K)
9b. Trevor Gretzky, LF: 0-1 (4-3)
10. Shawon Dunston Jr, DH-CF: 0-2 (BB, K, 4-3)

CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Dallas Beeler: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R (0 ER), 3 BB, 2 K, 41 pitches (19 strikes), 4/0 GO/FO
2. Juan Carlos Paniagua: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 GIDP, 30 pitches (19 strikes), 3/0 GO/FO
3. Starling Peralta: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 0 K, 44 pitches (25 strikes), 1/6 GO/FO
4. Jose Arias: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 41 pitches (30 strikes), 2/2 GO/FO

CUBS ERRORS (2):
1. SS Arismendy Alcantara - E-6 (throwing error on FC attempt allowed runner to reach 2nd base safely - eventually scored unearned run)
2. P Starling Peralta - E-1 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely)

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
1. Rafael Lopez: 1-1 CS
2. Chadd Krist: 1-1 CS

WEATHER Sunny & hot (103)

ATTENDANCE: 17(mostly scouts)