Cactus League: Cubs at Padres 3/18/13

On Monday the Cubs traveled to Peoria (Arizona, not Illinois) to take on the San Diego Padres. Edwin Jackson apparently had his jersey left behind, so he took the mound in number 82. The right handed starter must not have a superstition regarding his uniform number, because he tossed a second straight solid outing. Jackson went six innings and only allowed one run on three hits to pick up his first win of the Spring. Jackson looked solid against the team the Cubs outbid for his services this past winter, and will look to continue the positive form into April and beyond.

Back up outfielder candidate Dave Sappelt kept his name at the top of manage Dale Sveum’s mind by providing the big blow in the game, a three run homer in the fifth. It was his third homer of the Spring and the former Red has nine RBI so far. Sappelt loves hitting against lefties and could play a Jeff Baker like role minus the infield versatility. Javier Baez went 0 for 4, but collected a RBI as his parting gift. Monday was officially his last game in the Major League camp, and he was sent to the minor league Spring contingent along with the likes of Josh Vitters, Christian Villanueva, and Jorge Soler.

March 17, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Dave Sappelt (17) hits a two run single in the fourth inning during a spring training game against the Oakland Athletics at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Brent Lillibridge had a nice day, going 2 for 4 with two runs (including a triple) as he cements his spot on the 25 man roster, even if it is thanks to an Ian Stewart injury. The Cubs pretty much coasted to a 5-2 victory despite featuring a line up that had no starting field players and only two projected utility players. Sveum also only played a total of 10 position players the entire game, a bit on the light side for a Spring match up.

The Cubs bullpen held up the lead for Jackson and the game was capped off with a scoreless frame by Rule 5 draftee Hector Rondon, earning him his first save of the Spring. The Cubs improved to 11-14 in Cactus League play and reached the .500 mark for their road record (6-6).