June 04--WASHINGTON, D.C. -- One of the biggest staples of Anthony Rizzo's 2014 turnaround season was his success against left-handed pitchers.
Rizzo rebounded with a .300 batting average against left-handers after batting only .189 the previous season.
Rizzo has made even greater strides in 2015, batting .429 (15-for-35) against left-handers while owning a .574 on-base percentage.
"I honestly just think about being as short as I can (with the swing) against lefties," Rizzo said. "I'm not trying to do too much off them."
Nevertheless, Rizzo has foiled many exaggerated shifts by hitting to the opposite field. His production is remarkable, considering the Cubs didn't face a left-handed starter for 15 consecutive games until Tuesday night, when Rizzo faced Brad Hand of the Marlins and went 1-for-3 with an RBI double.
"It's all confidence, really," Rizzo said. '"The ball is falling. A couple hits fall, and you feel good. I'm seeing the ball very well off them."
However, a big test awaits Rizzo on Thursday night at Nationals Park. Rizzo and the Cubs will face Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez, who has held Rizzo hitless in 11 career at-bats with four strikeouts.
