Cubs 11, Diamondbacks (SS) 1
MESA, Ariz. (Mar. 23) — A four-run outburst in the seventh, followed by another one in the eighth, allowed the Chicago Cubs to run away with an 11–1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Cactus League action Thursday afternoon.
The Pitchers — Ryne Nelson (Diamondbacks) and Hayden Wesneski (Cubs)
Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson, one of the finalists for the fifth rotation spot, tossed 4 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on four hits while walking two and striking out three.
Cubs right-hander Hayden Wesneski, also competing for a spot in the rotation, lasted five innings. “Today (was) probably the best I felt (all spring),” Wesneski said. “The results probably weren’t the best of the spring, but I felt good. I was commanding the ball.” He allowed one unearned run on four hits while walking two and striking out five. The unearned run scored when Wesneski made an errant pickoff throw to first, allowing speedy Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll to score from third.
For Wesneski, making the Opening Day rotation would be incredible. “It’s what you dream of,” he said with an entranced smile. “Opening Day is special. There’s no other way to put it.” Wesneski said he spoke to Oakland Athletics lefty JP Sears about it, and JP — who spent Opening Day 2022 with the New York Yankees — said, “Dude, there’s nothing like it. It’s crazy.” Wesneski added, “I can’t imagine it would be worse in Wrigley.”
Looking Ahead
The Diamondbacks will face the Cincinnati Reds Friday afternoon at Salt River Fields. Right-hander Zac Gallen will take the hill for the Diamondbacks against Reds righty Hunter Greene. The Cubs have a pair of split-squad games Friday, at home against the Texas Rangers and away against the Cleveland Guardians. First pitch against the Rangers will be at 1:05 pm, with Cubs righty Marcus Stroman facing Rangers lefty Andrew Heaney. Adrian Sampson will take the hill against Zach Plesac of the Guardians in a battle of righties, with first pitch at 6:05 pm.
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Main Photo Credits:
MESA, Ariz. (Mar. 23) — Hayden Wesneski of the Chicago Cubs delivers a pitch to Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo in the top of the first inning of their Cactus League contest. The Cubs won, 11–1. (Photo by Evan Thompson/Sport Relay)
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