March 23--The Cubs had a hitters-only meeting Tuesday morning, then banged out 10 hits in the afternoon during a 9-6 victory against the Reds in Goodyear, Ariz. Manager Joe Maddon trotted out what likely will be the everyday starting lineup for the occasion, beginning what he called preparation for the end of spring training and the beginning of the regular season.
At the plate: Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run homer to right-center field in the sixth to give the Cubs a two-run lead.
On the mound: Jason Hammel allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits with a walk and a three strikeouts in five innings.
In the field: With Kyle Schwarber catching, Jorge Soler continued to adjust to playing left field. It didn't go well Tuesday when he misjudged a fly ball that allowed a run to score in the fourth for the Cubs' only error
Key number: 2 -- Runners Schwarber picked off first base Tuesday, one in the second and another in the third.
The quote: "It was a good day today. Defensively, I felt pretty good. Definitely helped out with Hammel pounding the zone today. Everything follows one another." -- Schwarber on his two pickoffs
Up next: At Rangers, 3:05 p.m. Wednesday; RH Kyle Hendricks vs. LH Derek Holland.
