March 04--The Cubs managed seven hits but were held scoreless for six innings in a 2-1 loss to the Brewers in the exhibition opener at Maryvale Baseball Park. Travis Wood was the victim of poor defense and baserunning in the first two innings. Wood retired the final five batters he faced in a two-inning stint.
At the plate
Dan Vogelbach, whose path to the majors is blocked by first baseman Anthony Rizzo, handled the designated-hitter duties and showed some promise. Vogelbach fouled off several pitches after falling behind 0-2 in the count before flying to left in his first at-bat. In the seventh, Vogelbach ripped a double to left-center.
On the mound
Kyle Hendricks was upset at himself for not bouncing an 0-2 curve into the dirt and allowing Jacob Nottingham to hit it for a double that led to a run to start the third.
In the field
Center fielder Albert Almora showed his defensive grace by moving steadily near the wall to track down a deep Alex Presley drive in the eighth.
Key number
13. Cubs pitchers; strikeouts.
The quote
"I want to be that guy who is consistent every time out, and the team can know what to expect from me every time out -- a solid outing. I wasn't that all of last year. I'm looking to start to finish, have consistency." -- Hendricks
Up next
Vs. Angels, 2:05 p.m. Friday at Sloan Park. RH Pierce Johnson vs. RH Jered Weaver.
