March 08--Despite solo home runs by Jason Heyward and Anthony Rizzo at Salt River Fields and a two-run shot by Addison Russell at Sloan Park, the Cubs lost to the Rockies 4-2 and to the Royals 3-2 in split-squad games.
At the plate
Against the Royals, Javier Baez took some big swings but was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. Dan Vogelbach, who could push for a spot at Triple-A Iowa, smacked a single off left-hander David Huff and scored on Russell's homer in the fifth.
On the mound
Clayton Richard's breaking pitch was exceptionally sharp as he struck out four Royals. But the Rockies tagged Neil Ramirez, who is battling for a spot in the bullpen, for two runs on three hits in the sixth.
In the field
Catcher Willson Contreras, the Cubs' second-best prospect according to Baseball America, made a strong throw to nail pinch runner Terrance Gore on a steal attempt to end the sixth.
Key number
13 -- Runs scored by the Cubs in six exhibition games.
The quote
"I'm letting it fly and trusting my ability, and it's a good feeling when you can trust your ability." -- Russell
Up next
Vs. Dodgers, 1:05 p.m. Tuesday at Sloan Park. RH Kyle Hendricks vs. LH Clayton Kershaw.
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