Reds Deal Cubs First Cactus League Loss

 

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Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

The Reds handed the Chicago Cubs their first loss. The Cubs began the game with an 8-0-3 Cactus League record. The 7-3 win over the Cubs in the only game between them this spring.

“They were 8-0 weren’t they?” Reds manager Terry Francona asked. “They had to lose sometime.”

Carson Spiers, fighting for a spot in either the bullpen or the rotation, was the first Red’s pitcher to log three innings, allowing the Cubs one run on two hits.

“It felt like I could go eight or nine,” Spiers quipped. “Three were actually scheduled. I went to the bullpen and get another up down and got a few more pitches under my belt.”

His status is unknown but is not on his mind.

“That’s a valid question but it is one that I don’t truly look at. I’m such a laid back kind of guy,” Spiers said. “I let my game do the playing and wherever the chip falls. The way I look at it is whatever is meant to be will be. It doesn’t do any good to think about it. I’m happy with where I’m at and hopefully will stay healthy for the spring.”

“I don’t know where he’s going to pitch.” Francona said. “He’s a great kid. Other than the leadoff walk, which I’m sure pissed him off, other than that he was really, really good.”

Veteran Bryan Shaw, a non-roster player, allowed two runs on two hits and three walks in ⅔ of an inning. Simon Miller completed the inning.

Scott Barlow, Albert Abreu and big Zach Maxwell pitched scoreless innings.

Hittling:

The Reds outfield hit three home runs in the game. Jake Fraley had two hits including a long home run to right field off Keegan Thompson. Blake Dunn followed with a home run to left and added a run-scoring single. Will Benson hit his second home run of the spring.

“I love watching. I don’t care what time of year it is,” Francona said. “They had some good at bats. It was good to see Will get aggressive, you know, get a pitch he could handle early in the at bat, not put himself in a hole. Then get rewarded for it.”

Tyler Stephenson hit a pair of doubles. Santiago Espinal continued his hitting streak with a double. He is hitting .333 for the spring. 

Although the number of players in camp indicate that Jacob Hurtubise might not make the team, he is tearing it up the last four games, adding a single to hike his might to red hot, .600. 

His single today was not hit hard, a bloop double to left but he showed Francona something that doesn’t always register in the box score.

“You know what? Give the kid credit. He didn’t hit the ball hard but he gets where he’s supposed to be. He ends up second. There is a lot to like about the kid. Instead of striking out, he puts it in play and gives himself a chance.”