Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs blank Halos 3-0 in Heyward and Zobrist’s debut

It was a beautiful day in Mesa, Arizona when the Chicago Cubs took the field to host their Opening Night opponents, Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels yesterday afternoon.

Shortstop Addison Russell was the standout in this one as he finished 1-for-2 in the batter’s box with the biggest hit of the game being a two-run homer during the bottom half of the fourth inning.

The Cubs tallied a total of five hits across the board as first-year Cubs Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward made their North Siders debut. Both men combined 1-for-4 at the plate with two strikeouts.

Skipper Joe Maddon started out the game with Dexter Fowler in center field, Zobrist batting second and Heyward in the third spot ahead of first baseman, Javier Baez. Baez opened up the year in center field for the Cubs during the 2-1 loss at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.

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All three men received a warm reception, especially Fowler who was clearly a fan favorite during the 2015 campaign. Not only was it great only see Heyward and Zobrist finally take the field with their new colors and teammates but seeing Fowler back in those familiar pinstripes was a relief.

Remember, he had multiple teams interested in his services over the offseason including the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and the Angels aside from the Cubs themselves.

As for arms, Maddon started 24-year-old right-hander Pierce Johnson. Johnson gave up two hits and struck out one batter in a single inning of work before Joe turned to the bullpen.

He used a total of eight pitchers including Carl Edwards Jr. and Neil Ramirez who picked up the win. Edwards Jr., Andury Acevedo, Edgar Olmos, Brandon Gomes, and Felix Pena cruised through most of the game, holding Los Angeles to only two hits while striking out two and walking only one.

And we can’t forget the defensive play of the game that was made by none other than Grandpa David Ross.

Now here are a few more stories you may have missed.

‘What are the chances of Addison Russell winning an N.L. Gold Glove?‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs: A look at the spring roster before games begin‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Former starting pitchers to be stretched out early‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Revisiting Will Farrell’s ‘Take The Field’ adventure‘ – Around The Foghorn

‘Tigers: 2016 Fantasy Preview‘ – Fantasy Baseball Crackerjacks