Cubs Use Three-Run Third to Edge Angels at Diablo

Jonathan Soto drilled a triple and an RBI single and six pitchers combined to hurl a four-hitter, helping the Cubs edge the Angels 3-2 in Cactus League Extended Spring Training game action Friday morning on Field #3 at the Diablo Stadium Complex in Tempe, AZ.  

The Cubs scored all three of their runs in the top of the third inning against Angels RHSP Jose Soriano, loading the bases on three singles (Verdugo, J. Gutierrez, and L. Diaz) before eventually scoring all three of the runners on the Soto RBI single (bases remained loaded), a Morel sacrifice fly to the warning track in LF, and a Soriano wild pitch. 
 
Connor Fitzsimons belted a solo HR off RHP Jesus Tejada to give the Angels a brief 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second.

In EXST Cubs roster news, C-1B-3B Cam Balego (Cubs 2017 30th round draft pick - Mercyhurst) has completed the "Catcher Conversion Program" and has been moved-up to South Bend. Balego began learning the catcher trade at AZ Instructs post-2017, and continued the process this year at Minor League Camp and then at Extended Spring Training. However, Balego is - NOT - becoming a full-time catcher, he is just adding "catcher" to his utility tool-box to increase his player-value going forward.   
 
Here is the abridged box score from the game (Cubs players only):
CUBS LINEUP:
1. Luis Diaz, 2B: 1-4 (P-2, 1B, L-7, K, R)
2a. Jonathan Soto, C: 2-3 (F-8, 1B, 3B, RBI)
2b. Richard Nunez, C: 0-1 (K)
3. Christopher Morel, SS: 1-3 (K, F-7 SF, 6-2 FC, 1B, RBI, CS)
4. Abraham Rodriguez, LF: 1-4 (5-3, L-9, L-8, 1B)
5. Josue Huma, 3B: 0-2 (L-5, BB, 3-U, CS)
6. Henderson Perez, DH #1: 0-3 (E-6, K, F-9)
7. Kwangmin Kwon, RF: 0-3 (L-7, K, 6-3)
8. Luis Verdugo, DH #2: 1-2 (1B, F-9, BB, R, SB)
9. Rafael Mejia, 1B: 0-3 (F-9, K, P-3)
10. Jose Gutierrez, CF: 1-3 (1B, K, F-9, R)
 
CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Emilio Ferrebus: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 0/2 GO/AO, 11 pitches (7 strikes)
2. Jesus Tejada: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 1 WP, 1/3 GO/AO, 27 pitches (16 strikes)
3. Jose M. Gonzalez: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K, 1/3 GO/AO, 30 pitches (15 strikes)
4. Fernando Calderon: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 1/2 GO/AO, 31 pitches (20 strikes)
5. Yan de la Cruz: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K, 3/0 GO/AO, 17 pitches (8 strikes)
6. Jake Steffens: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 1/1 GO/AO, 12 pitches (8 strikes)

CUBS ERRORS: 1
SS Chrisopher Morel: E-6 (dropped pop fly in short LF allowing batter to reach 2nd base safely)

CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Jonathan Soto: 1-3 CS, 1 PB

ATTENDANCE: 7

WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures in the 70's

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