Cubs’ Kris Bryant homers twice in 10-9 loss to Angels

Top prospect Kris Bryant homers twice; Will Ferrell coaches third, plays first base for Cubs

Even the funny and talented Will Ferrell couldn’t snatch center stage away from the Chicago Cubs phenom Kris Bryant. Although he did get a good look at one of his home runs while playing center field for the Los Angeles Angels.

Shortly after taking over for the Angels Mike Trout in center, Bryant launched a shot to left center, his first of two on the day. Fellow prospect Jorge Soler would add a moon shot of his own before Bryant would get his second home run in the sixth. The Cubs may have only one win this spring, but you would never know it while watching these kids.

Bryant finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs for the Cubs–including the two homers–while Soler went 2-for-3 and a pair of RBIs. The Cubs (1-7) scored eight times in the first four innings, which included Ferrell striking out to end the fourth.

It was all positives on the offensive side. On the mound was a different story.

Felix Doubront, among those battling for the fifth rotation spot, surrendered six runs in three innings, including two home runs. The Angels (4-4) hammered him for nine hits, and put him in an immediate hole in the competition for the last remaining spot.

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Cubs’ starter Jason Hammel struggled a bit again on the mound, as his pitches haven’t looked as sharp as his first stint in Chicago. He allowed three runs in three innings, striking out two.

What Stood Out: 

Will Ferrell giving “signs” at third with actual signs for the Cubs stood out, but it was all in good fun as he made his way through his 10-team, five game trip to play every position in honor of Bert Campaneris to raise money for cancer.

Aside from that, the bats of Soler and Bryant. The two continue to torch the Cactus League, and Bryant is doing everything in his power to make the decision on where to start him a difficult one. The young man has come into camp determined to make his case, and tuning out the consensus that believes he won’t be up for a month.

What’s Next:

The Cubs will have split-squad action on Friday. Jake Arrieta will start in Las Vegas against the Athletics, while Tsuyoshi Wada will get his first start of the spring at Sloan Park against the Indians. Wada was slowed a bit following discomfort in his thigh after his last start, but says he’s ready to go.

Bryant, a Las Vegas native, will make the trip with the travelling team to play in front of friends and family.