April 22--$hct_spt,cubsgameday422,mdg$t
Cubs 3, Pirates 2
The summary: The Cubs brought their own sound system during batting practice, but it wasn't for the arrival of rookie Addison Russell. Russell is making his major league debut at second base despite playing most of his professional career at shortstop. Russell is batting ninth, but the top of the Cubs' order has provided the bulk of the offense in seizing a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.
At the plate: Leadoff batter Dexter Fowler drew two walks in his fist two at-bats and scored both times. Kris Bryant drove a pitch from left-hander Francisco Liriano off the wall in right center for an RBI double in the first.
On the mound: Left-hander Travis Wood allowed home runs to Josh Harrison and Starlin Marte but has retired six of the past seven batters.
In the field: Russell worked with infield coach Gary Jones before the game, but shortstop Starlin Castro ran to shallow center to catch Neil Walker's pop in the first.
Key number: 6 -- Times Anthony Rizzo has been hit by pitches this season.
The quote: "When you're going to promote someone with limited experience, you have to look at the person and what you thinking about the guy. Do you think the guy can handle this?" -- Manager Joe Maddon.
Up next:
at Pirates, 6:05 p.m. Wednesday. CSN.
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