March 16--Cubs 2, Reds 1
Spring record: 5-8-1
The summary: Before a sellout crowd of 15,316 at Sloan Park, the Cubs mustered only one hit -- a two-run home run by left fielder Chris Denorfia off Reds ace Johnny Cueto in the third inning -- to seize their fourth consecutive victory. Travis Wood, trying to secure the fifth spot in the rotation, pitched four scoreless innings.
At the plate: Against Cueto, the Cubs didn't work many deep counts, although Anthony Rizzo managed to draw two walks.
On the mound: Brian Schlitter pitched two impressive innings. Left-hander Zac Rosscup allowed his first run of the spring but is making a strong bid to earn a bullpen spot. Rosscup struck out Donald Lutz to end the game.
In the field: Right fielder Rubi Silva made a strong throw to home plate to nail Ivan DeJesus Jr. that prevented the tying run from scoring in the ninth.
Key number: 19 -- Home runs by the Cubs this spring.
The quote: Wood: "It's been my thought process throughout the spring to pound the strike zone and get some early swings and early contact and hopefully they hit it at somebody. and we can get the games moving."
vs: Padres, 3:05 p.m., Monday at Peoria Sports Complex: LH Jon Lester vs. RH Brandon Morrow.
-- Mark Gonzales
