March 21--Before a spring training-record crowd of 15,523, the Cubs scored five times in the fifth inning Sunday to beat the Royals 5-2. Jorge Soler cranked a two-run homer off left-hander David Huff to cap the rally.
At the plate: Dexter Fowler is getting closer to being ready for the start of the season. Fowler drew a walk in the first and then ripped a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jason Heyward in the third.
On the mound: After manager Joe Maddon reiterated his support for Justin Grimm and Neil Ramirez after their unsuccessful outings Saturday night, relievers Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon retired all six batters they faced.
In the field: Addison Russell showed he can throw to first base in a hurry as evidenced by his strong throw to retire Omar Infante in the fifth.
Key number: 8 -- times Fowler has reached base safely in his last 14 plate appearances.
The quote: "I have no concerns with (Javier Baez) on defense at any position." -- Maddon
Up next: At Reds, 3:05 p.m. Tuesday. RH Jason Hammel vs. RH Alfredo Simon.
