Bard Passes D'backs to "B" game Victory

The Diamondbacks parlayed four walks and three run-scoring singles into a five-run 9th inning, rallying to defeat the Cubs 5-1 in Cactus League "B" game action this morning at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ.

Kyle Hendricks got the start for the Cubs and was masterful, tossing five innings of one-hit shutout ball (55 pitches - 37 strikes, 7/5 GO/FO), allowing no walks, while striking out three (all three swinging). 

Zac Rosscup then worked a 1-2-3 eight-pitch top of the 6th (two strikeouts looking and a 4-3 GO), and Justin Grimm worked a 1-2-3 top of the 7th (a lead-off F-7, and two strikeouts swinging).

Meanwhile the Cubs were unable to do anything against D-backs LHP Vidal Nuno, who threw four innings of one-hit shutout ball (no walks & eight strikeouts). Then Arizona closer Addison Reed worked a scoreless bottom of the 5th, allowing a lead-off walk before retiring the side in order. 

The Cubs finally plated a run in the bottom of the 7th off Randall Delgado, as Mike Baxter drew a lead-off walk, was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, and scored on a Jonathan Herrera one-out RBI single.  

Neil Ramirez allowed a lead-off single in the top of the 8th but then struck out the side, and the Cubs entered the top of the 9th holding a slender 1-0 lead. 

But Daniel Bard could not find home plate, throwing seven consecutve balls to start the inning before finally recording a strike. He eventually would walk all four men he faced on 23 pitches (only seven strikes). AAA Iowa RHRP Tony Zych relieved Barth with no outs and the bases loaded and the score tied 1-1, and he surrendered RBI singles to minor leaguers Rudy Flores, Zach Borenstein, and Alex Glenn, as the D'backs broke the game open.  

If there was any lingering doubt that Daniel Bard's "Steve Blass Disease" is in remission or has been cured, today's outing should put that to rest. His pitches to left-handed hitters were consistently high & outside, and his pitches to right-handed hitters were all over the place  

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

CUBS LINEUP:
1. Arismendy Alcantara, LF: 0-3 (K, 6-3, BB, F-7) 
2. Matt Szczur, CF: 1-4 (K, P-6, 1B, F-8) 
3. Mike Olt, 3B: 1-4 (1B, K, F-8, K) 
4. David Ross, C: 1-4 (K, K, L-7, 1B) 
5. Mike Baxter, 1B: 0-2 (K, BB, BB, F-7, R, SB)
6. Stephen Bruno, 2B: 0-3 (6-3, 4-3, 1-3 SH, L-4) 
7. Jonathan Herrera, SS: 1-4 (6-3, P-2, 1B, F-7, RBI)
8. Rubi Silva, RF: 1-4 (K, K, 1B+E4, K)
9a. Kyle Hendricks, P: 0-1 (K)
9b. Andrew Ely, PH: 0-1 (K)
9c. Zac Rosscup, P  
9d. Justin Grimm, P  
9e. Jeimer Candelario,  PH: 0-1 (K)
9f. Neil Ramirez, P
9g. Daniel Bard, P
9h. Tony Zych, P

CUBS PITCHERS: 
1. Kyle Hendricks: 5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 7/5 GO/FO, 55 pitches (37 strikes) 
2. Zac Rosscup: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 1/0 GO/FO, 8 pitches (7 strikes) 
3. Justin Grimm: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, 0/1 GO/FO, 14 pitches (8 strikes) 
4. Neil Ramirez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 13 pitches (9 strikes) 
5. Daniel Bard: 0.0 IP, 0 H, 4 R (4 ER), 4 BB, 0 K, 23 pitches (7 strikes)
6. Tony Zych: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 1/0 GO/FO, 23 pitches (16 strikes) 

CUBS ERRORS: NONE 

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE: 
David Ross: 1 PB

WEATHER: Sunny & breezy with temperatuires in the 80's 

ATTENDANCE: 117