March 18--The summary
The Cubs relied on four shutout innings from Jason Hammel and exceptional defense for 82/3 innings for their 4-3 victory over the Royals at Sloan Park.
At the plate
Matt Szczur, arguably the fastest player in the organization, led off the fifth with a bunt single, stole second base and scored on an Anthony Rizzo single.
On the mound
After allowing a single to Omar Infante with two out in the second, Hammel retired the next seven batters. Hammel did not walk a batter in his four innings of work after walking three in his first five innings.
In the field
Third baseman Mike Olt made a barehanded stop and throw to retire Eric Hosmer in the fourth. Reliever Francisley Bueno made a lazy, errant throw to first with two out and no one on that led to a run in the ninth.
On the bases
A potential rally in the first fizzled when Chris Denorfia was picked off first base.
Key number
3. Rizzo's hits this spring.
The quote
"When you don't feel well and you're trying to make things happen, you can create bad habits and get yourself in more trouble when you're not being aggressive. So obviously putting the ball in play helps." -- Hammel
Up next
Vs: Dodgers, 3:05 p.m. Wednesday at Camelback Ranch. RH Jake Arrieta vs. RH Brandon McCarthy.
