March 16--The Cubs pounded Tyson Ross for five runs in the first inning Tuesday and coasted to an 11-1 victory over the Padres in Peoria, Ariz. John Andreoli capped the scoring with his third home run, an inside-the-park homer off the right-field fence in the eighth. Left-hander Clayton Richard walked two but picked off Derek Norris during two scoreless innings.
At the plate
Jason Heyward doubled twice, knocking in three runs with one in the fifth. Third baseman Jeimer Candelario had two hits, including an opposite-field RBI double off Ross in the first.
On the mound
Neil Ramirez, battling for a spot in a crowded bullpen, struck out the side in the seventh with the aid of a sharp breaking pitch.
In the field
Candelario made an impressive stop at to retire Manny Margot in the second. Shortstop Munenori Kawasaki ranged far to his left to retire Matt Kemp in the fourth.
Key number
8: Extra base hits by the Cubs.
The quote
"If there's the ability to overcome this, then we have to be open about it. And (Jon Lester) has to be open about it, and he has. I'm not concerned about it." -- Joe Maddon on Lester's fielding woes
Up next
Vs. Royals, 1:05 p.m. Wednesday at Surprise Stadium. RH John Lackey vs. RH Chris Young.
