March 23--The summary
Manager Joe Maddon tinkered with the lineup by batting starting pitcher Jason Hammel eighth. The Cubs were held hitless for five innings, but Arismendy Alcantara led off the sixth with a home run off reliever Jose Valverde.
At the plate
Javier Baez showed impressive plate discipline by battling from two strikes to draw a walk against James Shields in the second inning, and he hit a single in the seventh.
On the mound
For the second time in as many starts, Hammel possessed command of his fastball, curve and slider to strike out nine in five innings, including a strikeout of Yonder Alonso on a slider to end the fourth.
In the field
Right fielder Jorge Soler, who botched a line drive on Saturday, showed no problems in handling a line drive hit by Yangervis Solarte.
Key number
2: Walks drawn by Baez this spring.
The quote
"The slider is taking shape. The curve is taking shape. Even the changeup I have a feel for that I didn't have last year at this time. But I'm most happy with the fastball command. -- Hammel
Up next
Off Monday. At Athletics, 3:05 p.m. Tuesday. RH Edwin Jackson vs. LH Drew Pomeranz.
