Cold Bats and Fielding Miscues Plague Cubs at Instructs
Nick Brueser clubbed a solo HR and five pitchers combined to toss a four-hitter, as the Athletics defeated the Cubs 3-1 in AZ Instructional League game action Thursday afternoon on Field #1 at the Riverview Baseball Complex in Mesa,AZ.
Christian Franklin laced an opposite-field RBI triple into the RF corner to account for the lone Cub run.
The game was pre-planned as a seven-inning affair.
Cubs pitchers only allowed two hits, but three walks, three HBP, three WP, and four errors gave the A's too many chances.
Coming off an outstanding AZIL game debut last week at Fitch Park, Cubs 2021 3rd round draft pick LHP Drew Gray struggled with his command throughout his outing. He didn't allow any hits, but he walked three, hit a batter, uncorked two WP. and was constantly pitching from behind in the count, throwing only 48% strikes.
Here is the abridged box score from the game (Cubs players only):
CUBS LINEUP:
1. Ezequiel Pagan, CF: 0-4 (F-9, K, L-8, F-7)
2. Christian Franklin, LF: 1-3 (HBP, K, 3B, 4-3, RBI)
3. Owen Caissie, DH: 0-3 (3-1, 4-3, K)
4. Kevin Alcantara, RF: 0-2 (K, 3-U, BB, SB)
5. Miguel Fabrizio, 1B: 1-3 (4-3, 1B, K)
6. B. J. Murray, 3B: 1-3 (1B, FC, K)
7. Christian Olivo, SS: 0-3 (F-9, F-9, 6-3)
8. Miguel Pabon, 2B: 1-3 (1B, 6-3, K)
9. Pablo Aliendo, C: 0-2 (K, BB, 5-3, R)
CUBS PITCHERS:
1. Drew Gray: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HBP, 2 WP, 1/3 GO/AO, 54 pitches (26 strikes)
2. Frankie Scalzo Jr: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 6 K, 1 HR, 3/2 GO/AO, 43 pitches (31 strikes)
3. Eduarniel Nunez: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, 2 HBP, 1 WP, 1/1 GO/AO, 20 pitches (11 strikes)
CUBS ERRORS: 4
1. CF Ezequiel Pagan; E-8 (dropped pop fly allowing batter to reach 2nd base safely)
2. 3B B. J. Murray: E-5 (two-base fielding error allowed batter to reach 2nd base safely)
3. 2B Miguel Pabon: E-4 (throwing error allowed batter to reach base safely)
4. 3B B. J. Murray: E-5 (two-base throwing error allowed batter to reach 2nd base safely)
CUBS CATCHERS DEFENSE:
Pablo Aliendo: 0-2 CS
ATTENDANCE: 13
WEATHER: Sunny with temperatures in the 80's
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