Chicago Cubs settle for a 9-9 with the Texas Rangers

Chicago Cubs’ ace Jon Lester and new closer-to-be Wade Davis had a rough go in their first Cactus League action, while hitters continued to produce runs.

The offense for the Chicago Cubs keeps putting up runs. For the second game in a row, Albert Almora and the Cubs’ batter put up nine runs on their opponent. However, the pitching staff also allowed gave up nine as they played to a tie with the Texas Rangers.

In his first action of Spring Training, Jon Lester took the mound in a start versus the potent Texas Rangers batters. After a clean first inning, the Cubs’ Opening Day starter allowed two runs in the bottom of the second. His day ended there, allowing three hits and two runs, striking out one.

The third inning did not improve for the Cubs’ pitchers. Wade Davis took the mound for the first time for his new team. He did not last long. In 19 pitches, David allowed three hits, three runs, one walk, and one strikeout. It was the only out he recorded. All three hits were singles, but the Rangers took advantage of aggressive base running to take a 5-3 lead. Miguel Mejia closed the door on the inning for the Cubs with no additional damage.

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The ben would hold the Rangers at bay until the seventh inning. Alec Mills pitched a scoreless sixth inning but allowed two more runs in the seventh. Then Caleb Smith allowed two more runs on four hits in the eighths. Both runs were scored on home runs by Jared Hoying and Jason Martinson.

The Long Ball

As for the Chicago Cubs’ offense, the day was highlighted by home runs. Tommy La Stella lead off the game with a home run to left field, and then followed in the second inning with a sacrifice fly. In the sixth inning, catcher Willson Contreras hit a two-run shot to left field.

The biggest hit of the day, however, came off the bat of Albert Almora. The potential starting center fielder came to the plate in the top of the fifth with the bases loaded. On a 2-2 count, Almora launched a grand slam to left field. The Cubs took a 9-5 lead.

All in all, four Cubs’ batters finished the day with two hits each. Jacob Hahnemann went 2-for-4 and knocked in a run, while Jeimer Candelario continued his hot Spring after a 2-for-3 day and scoring a run.

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What’s next?

The Cubs travel to Tempe to take on the Los Angeles Angeles. The Angeles lead the Cactus League with a 7-1 record but are coming off an 11-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.  Jake Arrieta will make his first start of the Spring. Game time is 3:10 p.m. CT and Cubs fans can listen to the broadcast on MLB.com.