March 19--Cubs 7, Dodgers 5
Spring record: 7-9-1
The summary: The Cubs learned of fatal shootings about a mile from their training facility but were able to make the 40-minute drive to Camelback Ranch without incident. The offense broke out with four runs in the second inning, capped by a two-run home run by Chris Coghlan off Brandon McCarthy.
At the plate: Albert Almora made the most of a late start by hitting two doubles and raised his spring batting average to .353.
On the mound: Jake Arrieta worked out of a jam in the first but wasn't so fortunate in the second. Joc Pederson capped a four-run rally with a three-run home run.
In the field: Shortstop Addison Russell and second baseman Tommy La Stella combined to turn a double play to end the second. Right fielder Jorge Soler showed that his hamstrings are healthy by making a running catch to rob Howie Kendrick of a hit in the fifth.
Key number: 11 -- Cubs players who have hit home runs this spring.
The quote: Arrieta: "I just need to be more precise with some things earlier in counts to where I'm not in hitter friendly counts in big situations. That's just moving forward and something I'l put an emphasis on."
Vs. Angels (B game), 3:05 p.m., Thursday at Sloan Park: RH Kyle Hendricks vs. TBA.
vs: Diamondbacks, 8:40 p.m., Thursday at Salt River Fields: RH Edwin Jackson vs. RH Rubby De La Rosa.
-- Mark Gonzales
