Chicago Cubs: Kris Bryant grand slam leads offense in blowout win

Chicago Cubs’ third baseman Kris Bryant cranked a grand slam as the home team rolled to a 9-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sloan Park.

The Chicago Cubs offense was firing on all cylinders Saturday afternoon as Kris Bryant and Jaimer Candelario teamed up to drive in five runs on four hits, backing starter Kyle Hendricks in the process.

With the Cubs leading 3-2 in the bottom of the fourth, Bryant drove the 1-2 pitch deep into left-center field, connecting for his first homer of the spring. The long-ball blew the game wide open for Chicago, which got production up and down the lineup.

Candelario staked the Cubs to an early lead in the second, when he tripled into the gap against Kenta Maeda. As the throw headed to third base in an effort to cut down the Cubs’ first baseman, the ball sailed into the stands, allowing Candelario to score – giving the Cubs a 2-0 edge.

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In the top of the fourth, the Dodgers got back into things. A Chase Utley double plated the first run of the inning and a Joc Pederson drove in Utley, tying the game 2-2.

The Cubs’ fourth included a bases-loaded walk to Jason Heyward, which broke the 2-2 tie. Bryant followed later in the frame with his grand slam.

Hendricks, who made his Cactus League debut Saturday, worked an efficient two innings, striking out one and allowing one base hit.

Left-hander Brett Anderson followed up Hendricks, allowing a pair of tallies in two innings’ work. The veteran is looking to lock in a spot in the starting rotation. He looked good for much of his outing, but missed locations wound up costing him down the stretch.

Carl Edwards Jr. pitched a scoreless inning of relief, striking out the side in impressive fashion. The lanky right-hander is looking to build upon a breakout postseason where he gained Joe Maddon‘s trust over more proven pieces like Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop.

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What Stood Out

Candelario went 3-for-3 with a RBI triple while putting together several impressive plays over at first base. He was in for the injured Anthony Rizzo, who is expected to return to action Tuesday against Team Italy.

He faces roadblocks all over the infield, but if he can prove himself as a quality backup first baseman, he may be able to get to the big leagues with Chicago in the near-future.