April 02--The summary
Before a crowd of 13,375 that increased Sloan Park home attendance to a major-league spring record 222,415, the Cubs pulled away to an 11-7 victory over the Brewers on Wednesday behind home runs from Tommy La Stella, Anthony Rizzo, Dexter Fowler and Jorge Soler in the first five innings.
At the plate
The switch-hitting Fowler continues to hit with more authority from the left side, as he pulled a triple down the right-field line before hitting his homer to right-center. Fowler also singled from the right side before Soler's two-run shot in the fifth that wasn't higher than 25 feet.
On the mound
Starter Jason Hammel wasn't happy that four of the six hits he allowed occurred with two out, but he was otherwise pleased with his slider. Reliever Justin Grimm failed to retire any of the four batters he faced in the sixth.
In the field
Versatile Arismendy Alcantara started at third base and handled two grounders flawlessly. Jonathan Herrera entered the game as a defensive replacement and ranged far to his right before throwing across his body to get a force play at second base in the ninth inning.
Key number
47 -- Cubs home runs this spring.
The quote
"You just can't rely on the homer. We're going to hit homers, but they're not always going to be there. to beat good pitching, you have to manufacture (runs)." -- manager Joe Maddon
Up next
At Diamondbacks, 8:40 p.m. Friday at Chase Field. RH Edwin Jackson vs. RH Jeremy Hellickson.
-- Mark Gonzales
