Chicago Cubs: Zobrist, Russell go back-to-back in 7-3 loss to Arizona

Last night, the Chicago Cubs matched up against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a few top pitchers on the mound. Despite a mid-game rally, Chicago was unable to hang on late.

With the regular season just a few weeks away, the Chicago Cubs (6-9) are still hard at work and continued Cactus League play last night. Skipper Joe Maddon sent Kyle Hendricks (0-0, 2.00 ERA) to the mound opposite Arizona’s (10-8) Taijuan Walker (1-0, 2.08 ERA).

Maddon’s 27-year-old right-hander recorded two strikeouts in the top half of the first inning but gave up his third hit of the spring. Hendricks found himself pitching from behind after Arizona tallied two doubles in the second.

Kyle has been absolutely amazing thus far, yielding only two earned runs on seven hits with 10 strikeouts and no walks. He struck out five batters in four innings of work, bringing his total up to nine frames.

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Later on in the third inning with one out, veteran outfielder Jon Jay lifted a pitch out to left field. It looked as if the ball was going to leave yard but it stayed in the field of play. Jay made his way around second, sliding into third for his first triple in a Cubs uniform.

Jay would later score on Kris Bryant‘s RBI single out to left-center field – Bryant’s ninth RBI of the spring. This opened the door for Anthony Rizzo to keep the inning alive.

Power surge

Rizzo, who ended the night 0-for-3, was caught looking on an inside pitch for the third and final out of the frame. Kyle cruised through the third and eventually gained the lead in the fourth.

Leading off the home half, Ben Zobrist turned on the second pitch of the at-bat, tying the game 2-2. Shortly after, Addison Russell flexed a little muscle of his own, hammering his third home run of the spring into the bullpen.

They combined 2-for-6 at the dish and were replaced by prospects Ian Happ and Chesny Young. Despite the Cubs dropping their ninth game, Hendricks still looked solid. Most noteworthy, Jay led the group with two hits batting out of the nine spot.

Next: Five Cubs poised for a big 2017 season

Next up for the Chicago Cubs will be the Los Angeles Dodgers in a rematch between two teams who battled it out for the National League pennant. First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. central time. Since we’re also preparing for the regular season, be sure to check back for pregame notes and the recap.