Cubs Triple Their Pleasure & Defeat A's at Fitch Park

Bijan Rademacher roped a two-run triple, walked twice, and scored three runs, and NWL batting champion Stephen Bruno drove-in three runs with a two-run triple and an RBI FC, propelling the Cubs to a 10-7 victory over Athletics in Arizona Instructional League action this morning at Fitch Park Field #3 in Mesa.

It was Sonny Gray (A’s) versus Dillon Maples (Cubs) when the game started, but Gray (A’s 2011 1st round draft pick- #18 overall) labored through two innings of work (39 pitches - 24 strikes), allowing two runs (both earned) on two walks and a hit, plus two strikeouts.

And Dillon Maples once again could not throw strikes, walking five in just 1.1 IP (46 pitches - only 19 strikes).

With a hammer-curve and a mid-90’s heater with movement, Maples is almost impossible to hit (the one hit he gave up today--and it is the only hit he has allowed in three Instructs appearances--was a routine ground ball that struck a base-runner), but both of his best pitches are “chase” pitches, so he’s in trouble whenever he gets behind in the count and has to throw a strike.

In three starts so far at Instructs, Maples has this line: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 4 R (4 ER), 10 BB, 7 K, 2 WP, 116 pitches (54 strikes).

The best outing by a Cub pitcher today was the one turned-in by Dominican bonus baby ($1.5M signing bonus) RHP Juan Carlos Paniagua, who threw 2.2 IP of shutout ball, allowing one hit and one walk, with three strikeouts (two swinging).

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

CUBS LINEUP:
1. Shawon Dunston Jr, CF: 1-4 (6-3, 1B, K, K, R, RBI)
2. Albert Almora, DH #1: 1-3 (6-3, F-9 SF, 1B, F-9, R, RBI)
3a. Jorge Soler, DH #2: 0-2 (K, FC, BB, 2 R, RBI, SB)
3b. Justin Marra, PH: 0-1 (K)
4a. Bijan Rademacher, RF: 1-1 (BB, BB, 3B, 3 R, 2 RBI)
4b. Marco Hernandez, SS: 0-1 (3-U)
5a. Wilson Contreras, C: 0-1 (BB, F-8, HBP, R)
5b. Chadd Krist, C: 0-1 (5-3)
6. Stephen Bruno, 2B: 1-4 (K, 3B, 1-6 FC, 5-3, 3 RBI)
7. Tim Saunders, SS-RF: 1-3 (1B, 1-3, 6-4-3 DP, RBI, PO)
8a. Ben Carhart, 3B: 1-1 (F-9 SF, 1B, RBI, SB)
8b. Jesse Hodges, 3B: 0-1 (6-3)
9. Jacob Rogers, 1B: 1-3 (1B+E8, K, 6-3, R)
10. Trevor Gretzky, LF: 1-3 (1B, K, K, R)

CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Dillon Maples: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R (3 ER), 5 BB, 2 K, 46 pitches (19 strikes)
2. Trey Lang: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP, 1 GIDP, 44 pitches (21 strikes), 2/2 GO/FO
3. Juan Carlos Paniagua: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 WP, 39 pitches (26 strikes), 1/3 GO/FO
4. Steve Perakslis: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 3 K, 1 WP, 29 pitches (15 strikes), 2/0 GO/FO
5. Corbin Hoffner: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, 21 pitches (11 strikes), 2/1 GO/FO

CUBS ERRORS: NONE

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Wilson Contreras: 2-5 CS

WEATHER: Sunny, hot, and a bit breezy, with temperatures in the upper-90's

ATTENDANCE: 24 (mostly scouts)