The Cubs Way a Path to Victory at Indian School Park

Jorge Soler and Chadd Krist blasted solo home runs, and Marco Hernandez ripped a double and an RBI single, scored a run, and stole a base, leading the Cubs to an 8-3 victory over the Giants in Arizona Instructional League action this afternoon at Indian School Park Field #2 in Scottsdale.

San Francisco Giants 2B Freddy Sanchez (reported "out for the season" after undergoing back surgery in July) was a DH in today’s game, getting one AB in each of the first four innings. (Sanchez is on a minor league injury rehab assignment at the Giants minor league base in Scottsdale). RHP Pierce Johnson (Cubs 2012 Supplemental 1st Round draft pick out of Missouri State) faced Sanchez the first three times he batted, and retired the big leaguer all three times (called third strike, and then two F-9 pop flies). Sanchez did manage an RBI single in his final AB against Ryan McNeil in the bottom of the 4th, however.

The Cubs did not record an extra base hit in either of their first two Instructs games last week, but the offense was diverse and efficient today, scoring a run without the benefit of a hit in the top of the 1st inning (three consecutive two out walks and a WP), two solo HR, two RBI doubles, and an RBI single. For the day, the Cubs had 11 hits (including the two solo HR and three doubles), six walks, a HBP, and six stolen bases.

So far, the Cubs have drawn 20 walks in their first three Instructs games (20 walks used to be a couple of week’s worth).

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

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

CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Pierce Johnson: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 PO, 35 pitches (21 strikes), 2/4 GO/FO
2. Ryan McNeil: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 36 pitches (19 strikes), 2/1 GO/FO
3. Anthony Prieto: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 0 K, 1 WP, 35 pitches (18 strikes), 3/3 GO/FO
4. Trey Lang: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 1 K, 1 GIDP, 33 pitches (15 strikes), 2/0 GO/FO
5. Corbin Hoffner: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP, 23 pitches (15 strikes), 3/1 GO/FO

CUBS ERRORS (3):
1. 3B Jeimer Candelario - E-5 (fielding error allowed batter to reach base safely)
2. P Ryan McNeil - E-1 (errant pick-off attempt at 1st base allowed runner to advance to 2nd base)
3. 3B Ben Carhart - E-5 (throwing error allowed batter to reach base safely)

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
1. Chadd Krist: 0-1 CS
2. Lance Rymel: 1-2 CS

WEATHER: Partly cloudy with temperatures in the upper 90’s

ATTENDANCE 23