The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs met for the second time in Spring Training, with Los Angeles taking the first meeting at Sloan Park on March 8. The matchup between the two elite National League teams was cause for a sellout at Camelback Ranch, which was the Dodgers’ third sellout of the spring.
Brandon Beachy received the start, after originally being scheduled to take the hill in the other split-squad game against the Seattle Mariners. Alex Wood, who was originally scheduled to start against the Cubs, was scratched due to left forearm tightness.
Although Beachy allowed a leadoff double to Ben Zobrist, his up and down Spring Training would continue as he battled out of the inning. Beachy retired Addison Russell and Kris Bryant on fly balls, then issued a two-out walk to Miguel Montero.
The Dodgers right-hander got out of the inning unscathed as Jorge Soler grounded out. Trevor Cahill retired Carl Crawford, Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig in order in the bottom of the first.
Willson Contreras hit a one-out ground-rule double beyond Puig’s reach in the second inning. Contreras advanced to third base on a flyout to right field, but was stranded as Juan Perez grounded out to end the inning.
The Dodgers got their offense in the bottom of the second inning. Chase Utley hit a one-out triple in left-center field, which was nearly caught by Albert Almora on a diving attempt. Cahill didn’t do himself any favors as he walked Austin Barnes, and allowed Utley to score on a wild pitch.
Barnes went first to third base on the wild pitch, then scored on Cahill’s second wild pitch of the inning. Beachy tossed a 1-2-3 third inning to keep the Dodgers lead at 2-0. He finished his night of work with three shutout innings, two hits allowed, one walk and one strikeout.
CONTINUE READING: Dodgers rally in 9th inning for walk-off win
