Kyle Hendricks had a good outing yesterday, but the score still looked lopsided. This was his third start in spring training and after he noted that the players are ready to start the season. "We're feeling the itch; we know that," Hendricks said after his third spring start in Wednesday's 7-3 loss to the D-backs. "We know it's getting close. It feels like we're ready to go." In the game, yesterday the Cubs ran into the hot pitcher in spring training, Taijuan Walker. He has extended his scoreless streak to 11.2 innings before giving up his first run, playing the strength of the Cubs lineup.

He ended his day with eight strikeouts over four innings, with no walks.

Home runs keep coming

Taijuan Walker pitched good yesterday, but the Cubs still got a couple of home runs off the right-hander. In the fourth inning, the first came from Ben Zobrist, a solo shot over the right-center field. This was Ben's first spring training home run. He has a .208 batting average in his 24 at bats in this pre-season. Ben, not getting a whole lot of plate appearances, has been letting the young guys get more work in the games.

The next home run happened soon after. It was the next man up to bat Addison Russell. He has hit three homers in this spring training. Addison seems to be knocking the cover off the ball in this young season.

There really isn't anything like a power-hitting shortstop. In his 21 at bats in spring training he has six hits along with his six runs and 7 RBI's. The only other offense of the day came off a Kris Bryant single that scored Jon Jay who was waiting at third base.

Cubs working in relievers

Kyle Hendrix looks to be in mid-season form already for the Cubs.

He struck out five with his changeup in his four innings of work. Kyle allowed five hits and two total earned runs. Carl Edwards Jr. did not fare so well in his innings of work. Carl gave up a single to Brandon Drury with runners on first and second with two outs, giving up a run. Schwarber made an error that let in another run in the seventh.

Carl Edwards Jr got the next batter to groundout to end the inning. Facing the Minor-league squad, Seth Frankoff let three more runs cross in his two innings of work. Seth, a 28-year-old right-hander, was signed by the Cubs to a minor league deal last November. The 6'5" relief pitcher was taken from the Dodgers where he spent most of his time in AA supporting a 4.15 ERA.
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