Kyle Hendricks, Chicago Cubs squeeze by San Francisco Giants, 8-5

By David Miniel | Mar 30, 2015

5. 40. 8. 9. Final

On the day that the Chicago Cubs cut both Javier Baez and Kris Bryant, they received a scare from the World Series champions San Francisco Giants in the sixth inning but held onto win by the score of 8-5.

With No. 4 starter, Kyle Hendricks on the mound entering the top of the sixth inning and a comfortable 7-0 lead in his back pocket – the defending champs lit up Hendricks and this bullpen by hanging a five-spot. Infielder Joe Panik brought his team within three after launching a solo shot deep to right-center field – setting the tone for the guys behind him.

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After loading up the bases, outfielder Daniel Carbonell hammered a two-run double to center field, making it a 4-3 ballgame with Justin Maxwell standing on third. It would be the last batter Hendricks would face.

Prior to San Francisco (9-20) coming alive midway through this afternoon contest, Hendricks was cruising along holding the Giants to just three hits in five innings.

He finished the day working 5 1/3 innings while giving up seven hits, five earned runs, one walk and five strikeouts. Hendricks (1-0, 3.65 ERA) recorded a run while on base, thanks to a RBI single by Jonathan Herrera in the second inning which made it 2-0 early on.

Outfielder Chris Coghlan drove in the first run of the ballgame in the bottom of the very first inning. plating center fielder Dexter Fowler on a RBI double to left field.

Once the dust settled after the Giants hammered Hendricks in the sixth, Chicago (13-15) quickly responded with three more runs of their own to extend their lead. Both Jorge Soler and Starlin Castro drove in a pair of runs with singles while advancing other runners on base.

Catcher Welington Castillo recorded his first RBI of the game after being hit by a pitch that was delivered by Juan Guiterrez. He later recorded the final run of the game on a sacrifice bunt, pushing Ryan Dent across to make it an 8-5 game in the bottom of the eighth inning.

What Stood Out:

There’s no doubt that Hendricks has proved himself to be a solid No. 4 arm of this rotation, but showed us that he has what it takes to work a spot ahead. That is if he doesn’t tire himself out like he did against the Giants earlier today.

It was definitely a scary moment though it’s nothing to be concerned about. So far this spring, Hendricks has only allowed five runs in three appearances and two starts – allowing a total of 12 hits and a 1/9 K/BB ratio through 12 1/3 frames including two scoreless outings while posting a 3.65 ERA.

Whats Next:

With only four Spring Training games left before returning to Chicago, the Cubs will travel to take on the split-squad Texas Rangers (9-15).

Taking the mound for the Cubs tomorrow will be young southpaw Eric Jokisch. Jokisch (1-1, 6.00 ERA) is coming off a rough outing courtesy of the Los Angeles Angels just four days ago. Through four frames, the Halos tagged Jokisch for four runs (all earned) on six hits while handing him the loss in the process.

Starting opposite of Jokisch will be veteran lefty Derek Holland. Holland (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is picking up his second start of the spring after missing the entire 2014 campaign.

Texas appears to be easing Holland back into baseball action, limiting him to just three innings in his only outing back on March 20 against the Seattle Mariners. Holland was removed after three innings, holding the Mariners to just two hits while issuing one walk.

Tomorrow’s contest will be shown on the MLB Network (delay) with the first pitch scheduled for 3:05 pm central time.

Next: Knowing The Enemy: Milwaukee Brewers

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