The EXST A's defeated the EXST Cubs 6-1 in Extended Spring Training action at Field #2 at the Papago Baseball Complex in Phoenix this morning.

RHP Jon Nagel got the start, and struggled with his command for his second start in a row (and the lart one was one the exact same field, too). He managed to get through his pre-scheduled three innings, but it took him 56 pitches (only 33 strikes) to do it.

The Cubs offense was sluggish today, only scoring one run, a two-out RBI single grounded through the box into CF by John Contreras that scored Hak-Ju Lee from 2nd base.

Lee was the only Cub to have as many as two hits today, one an infield hit and one a bunt single, giving the 18-year old Korean bonus baby a chance to show off his blazing speed.

Also, Matt Cerda reached base three times, the first time on a double hammered off the left-field fence, and the other two times on walks.  

Most Extended Spring Training games are interesting and some are even down-right exciting, but this one was real clunker. Fortunately there were only four civilians in attendance, although only one of us stayed for the entire game.

Here is today's abridged box score (Cubs players only):

LINEUP:
1. Jose Valdez, CF:  0-4  (5-3, 6-3, P-1, 4-3)
2. Hak-Ju Lee, SS-DH:  2-4  (L-8, 1B, 1B, 3-U + 1 R, 1 SB)
3. Matt Cerda, DH #2:  1-2  (2B, 4-3 GIDP, BB, BB)
4. John Contreras, 1B:  1-4  (4-3, E-7, 1B, 6-4 FC + 1 RBI)
5. Sean Hoorelbeke, LF:  0-3  (K, BB, F-8, 6-3)
6. Logan Watkins, 2B:  0-3  (3-U, K, 5-3)
7. Dwayne Kemp, 3B:  1-3  (P-4, 1B, K)
8. Juan Medina, C:  1-3  (1B, 1-6-3 GIDP, 5-3 + 1 SB)
9. Jesus Morelli, RF:  0-3  (K, P-3, 5-3)

10. Robert Bautista, DH-SS:  0-3  (P-6, F-9, K)

PITCHERS:
1. Jon Nagel - 3.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 3 K, 1 WP, 1 GIDP, 4/2 GO/FO
2. Miguel Sierra - 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 0 K, 2 GIDP, 4/2 GO/FO
3. Josh Whitlock - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 3/0 GO/FO
4. Yohan Gonzalez - 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R (3 ER), 3 BB, 2 K, 1 WP, 2/1 GO/FO
5. Ryan Sontag - 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1/2 GO/FO

ERRORS (4):

1. 2B Logan Watkins - ball bounced out of his glove, allowing batter to reach base safely, and eventually resulting in unearned run to score.
2. 3B Dawyne Kemp - errant throw allowed batter to reach base safely, eventually resulting in unearned run.

3. 1B John Contreras - pick-off attempt bounced off his glove, allowing runner to take 2nd base.
4. CF Jose Valez - ball caromed off his glove into right-centerfield on line drive single to center, allowing batter to take 2nd.

CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Juan Medina - 1 PB

WEATHER: Hot & Sunny, tempersature in the mid 90's, headed for 100+   

ATTENDANCE: 4