Chicago Cubs fall in extras to Seattle; Mike Olt homers twice

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Olt seems to be seeing things a bit more clearly with each passing day. After struggling with vision issues last season, Olt seems to have put that all behind him. He was impressive at the plate on a gorgeous Arizona night, going 3-for-4 with two home runs and knocking in three. Javier Baez added a moon shot of his own, his third of the spring-but the Cubs pen couldn’t hold it as they lost in ten innings, 8-7.

James Russell made his spring debut, pitching one inning as he allowed a run on just one hit – a home run -while striking out one and walking one. Albert Almora continued his fine spring going 1-for-2 with a run scored. But his highlight play of the night won’t show in the box score. With the tying run headed home on a weak blooper into center, the 19-year-old made a veteran move throwing behind the runner at second. The runner was ruled safe, but had the tag been in time, the Cubs may have pulled out the victory.

Marcus Hatley took the loss for the Cubs, dropping his record this spring to 1-1.

The Cubs have on off day Thursday before returning to action in Mesa on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kyle Hendricks is slated to go for the Cubs. The game will be carried over on cubs.com in an exclusive webcast.