Chicago Cubs drop nightcap against Diamondbacks

After falling 6-2 to the Reds this afternoon, the Chicago Cubs were back in action tonight against the Diamondbacks.

The Chicago Cubs were at Salt River Fields in Arizona to take on the Diamondbacks. RHP Jake Buchanan got his second start of the spring and didn’t fair too well. After a 1-2-3 first, Buchanan got into trouble in the second and allowed a three-run homer to Jason Pridie. Buchanan completed two innings, allowing that home run while walking one and striking out two.

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Shelby Miller was on the mound for the Diamondbacks and was in mid-season form. He tossed three shutout innings, striking out six and allowing just one hit. Unfortunately, the Cubs offense was unable to muster much. Japanese infielder Munenori Kawasaki drove in the lone Cubs run on a RBI single in the fifth. The Cubs offense was held hitless for the final four innings, as they drop the second game of the split-squad, 3-1. The Cubs are now 2-4-2 on the spring through eight games.

On the pitching side for the Cubs, the much traveled David Rollins got in two innings of work. He was perfect in those two innings while striking out two. Zac Rosscup, who could factor in the big league bullpen, also pitched a scoreless inning in the eighth. Rosscup has had mixed results in the big leagues and is looking to bounce back after some injury-plagued seasons.

Offense

The Cubs offense only produced three hits in this game. Kyle Schwarber was 0-3 with two strikeouts out of the leadoff spot. Almora, Szczur and Kawasaki were the only ones to get hits off Diamondbacks pitching. The Cubs hit 1-for-6 with RISP and struck out 13 times and drew zero walks.

As a result, it was not a good game for the Cubs as they dropped both games of the split squad and scored just three runs on seven hits in both games combined.

Next: Cubs tap Jon Lester as Opening Day starter

The Cubs will look for better success tomorrow as they send Mike Montgomery to the mound for his second spring start. The Reds will counter with Tim Adleman.  First pitch is at 2:05 from Sloan Park in Mesa. Len and JD have the call on cubs.com.