Rangers Split-Squad Tops Cubs In Preseason
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MESA, Ariz. (AP) - Ross Ohlendorf struck out five in two perfect innings and prized prospect Joey Gallo homered over the berm in right field, leading a Texas Rangers split squad over the Chicago Cubs 6-4 on Sunday.
Ohlendorf was out of the majors for Washington last season while dealing with a back strain. He provided a nice boost to an ailing pitching staff that might see ace Yu Darvish need Tommy John surgery.
"I was really happy with how it went," he said. "I felt like I had really good life on the fastball and the offspeed was good, too."
Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland hit a home run in his first at-bat after reconstructive surgery on his left ankle in June.
"I've been counting the days anticipating going out and playing," Moreland said. "I had a blast and felt great."
Cubs starter Jake Arrieta pitched two innings in his spring debut. He walked three, struck out two and gave up hit, the homer by Moreland.
"I didn't make enough of an adjustment to realign myself in direction of the plate," he said of the walks. "There were some good things. More efficiency on first-pitch strikes."
The Cubs, with new manager Joe Maddon, and Milwaukee remain the only teams in the majors without a win this spring.
STARTING TIME
Rangers: Manager Jeff Bannister and pitching coach Mike Maddux both came to see the right-handed Ohlendorf instead of staying with Texas' other split squad at home.
"I was glad they came on the trip," Ohlendorf said. "You always want to pitch well but I noticed they were here. I only have so many opportunities to show them what I can do."
Cubs: Arrieta doesn't feel the need to prove anything after his breakout season in 2014.
"I don't view it that way," he said. "Individually, I just try and put as much emphasis on being the best I can be, whatever that means, and personally I think that means quite a bit."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Cubs: Junior Lake was back in the lineup after a collision at second base on Friday when he tried advancing on a wild pitch. He sustained a bruised forehead after colliding with Reds 2B Brandon Phillips.
POWER SOURCE
Gallo hit 42 home runs in the minors last season. On the Cubs bench was Kris Bryant, who went deep 43 times in the minors last season. Bryant homered in Saturday's game.
Gallo connected in his second at-bat, hitting a long drive off LHP Eric Jokisch.
"We never really talked about it," Bryant said of last year's home run race with Gallo. "But I knew he was right behind me or he was right ahead of me."
BARD'S BOUNCE BACK
Righty reliever Daniel Bard is trying to once again become an effective pitcher after having a procedure for thoracic outlet syndrome, where a rib is removed to help with a compression injury. He took most of last year off, but is back with the Cubs after they claimed him off waivers from the Red Sox.
The 29-year-old Bard, once a key part of Boston's staff, threw a simulated game on Sunday. There isn't an exact timetable for him to enter an exhibition game.
"He looked good and the ball was out of his hand well," Maddon said. "The velocity looked good. I was pleased with that and it was outstanding to watch."
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