Javy Baez Goes 2-5 as Cubs Rally to Edge Angels

Kevin Encarnacion (RBI triple), Tyler Alamo (RBI single), and Jenner Emeterio (RBI single) contributed run-scoring hits to a four-run seventh, as the Cubs rallied to overcome a 4-2 deficit and then hung-on to edge the Angels 6-5 in Cactus League Extended Spring Training action this morning on Field #6 at Mesa CubTown at Riverview Park. 

Jose Paniagua belted a solo home run and Carson Sands tossed three innings of shutout ball to aid the Cub cause, and Travis Adair doubled twice, walked, and scored two runs, and Trevor Gretzky knocked-in two runs with an RBI double and a sacrifice fly for the Angels. 

Javy Baez played second-base for five innings and batted five times for the Cubs. He struck out (swinging) on three pitches his first time up, laced a line-drive double into the LF corner on a 2-0 pitch and later scored in his second AB, struck out (looking) on three pitches his third time up, roped a line-drive single to center on an 0-1 pitch in his fouth Plate Appearance, and flied out to deep RF on a 3-0 pitch in his final AB. He handled four chances flawlessly in the field.  

Prior to the Cactus League EXST game, RHPs Dylan Cease and Erling Moreno squared-off in a two inning intrasquad "sim" game on Field #4. Both pitchers are rehabbing from a 2014 elbow UCL transplant (Tommy John surgery). 

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

CUBS LINEUP:
X. Javy Baez, 2B-DH: 2-5 (K, 2B, K, 1B, F-9, R)
NOTE: Baez led-off bottom of 1st & 2nd innings, and batted 2nd in bottom of 4th, 5th, and 6th innings. 
1a. Carlos Sepulveda, SS: 1-2 (3-1, 1B, SB) 
1b. Varonex Cuevas, SS: 0-2 (6-3, K) 
2. Andrew Ely, 3B-DH: 0-2 (BB, 3-1, F-7) 
NOTE:  SLOT WAS SKIPPED FOURTH TIME THRU BATTING ORDER 
3a. Tim Saunders, DH #1: 0-1 (BB, L-1) 
3b. Carlos Jimenez, 3B: 0-2 (E-6, F-9, R) 
4. Kevin Encarnacion, RF: 1-2 (3-1, BB, 3B, R, RBI) 
NOTE: SLOT WAS SKIPPED FOURTH TIME THRU BATTING ORDER)
5a. Tyler Alamo, C-DH: 1-3 (4-3, 6-4-3 DP, 1B, R, RBI)
5b. Eric Gonzalez, PH: 0-1 (E-4) 
6. Jordan Hankins, DH-C: 1-2 (1-3, HBP, 1B, R, RBI) 
NOTE: SLOT WAS SKIPPED FOURTH TIME THRU BATTING ORDER
7a. Jose Paniagua, LF: 1-2 (HR, P-2, R, RBI) 
7b. Jenner Emeterio, LF: 1-2 (1B, 6-4-3 DP, RBI) 
8a. Adonis Paula, 1B; 1-1 (1B, BB) 
8b. Roney Alcala, 1B: 0-1 (BB, 6-3) 
9a. Roberto Caro, CF: 0-1 (K) 
9b. Danny Gutierrez, PH-CF: 0-2 (F-7, K)
10a. Tyler Pearson, DH #3: 0-1 (K)
10b. Bryant Flete, PH-2B: 0-1 (F-8, BB, RBI)

CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Carson Sands: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K, 5/1 GO/FO, 52 pitches (30 strikes) 
2. Jesus Camargo: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 3 R (2 ER), 4 BB, 1 K, 2 WP, 2/1 GO/FO, 41 pitches (16 strikes)
3. Daniel Lewis: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 0 K, 1 WP, 5/1 GO/FO, 20 pitches (15 strikes)
4. John Michael Knighton: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 0/1 GO/FO, 11 pitches (9 strikes)
5. Hector Perez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 2 K, 0/1 GO/FO, 19 pitches (11 strikes)

CUBS ERRORS: 1
1B Adonis Paula - E-3 (errant toss attempting 3-1 put-out at 1st base allowed batter to reach base safely and unearned run to score from 2nd base)

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Jordan Hankins: 1 PB

WEATHER: Sunny & a bit breezy with temperatures in the 80's 

ATTENDANCE: 9