CUBS 8, ROCKIES 6
Hendricks off target
Right-hander Kyle Hendricks has been solid this spring. Executing pitches has been his main focus during camp.
Hendricks worked a quick 1-2-3 first inning against the Rockies before getting into some trouble in the second. The Cubs’ ace allowed three runs and four hits before the team rolled the inning and stopped the damage.
Hendricks allowed four runs and seven hits, struck out five and didn’t allow a walk in his three innings.
“It felt good to just get the pitch count up, honestly,” Hendricks said. “Felt really strong, even at the end there. I had plenty left, so that was a good sign. Overall, I made a lot of the pitches. After the first [inning], just missed with a couple. A couple of pitches just ran middle, and they just put good swings on them, to be honest with you.”
“Just executing, especially running two-seamers in on righties. I hadn’t been really dialed in on that pitch. So overall, I executed most of those. I pulled two of them, which I gave up two singles on . ... It’s tough going in not knowing the [lineup] so much. You don’t have too much of a plan, so you’re trying to execute pitches overall. So [Willson Contreras] and I were able to work well together and really execute most of them.”
Pederson homers twice
Whatever Joc Pederson has been doing this spring, the Cubs hope he can carry it over into the regular season. Pederson went 3-for-3, including a pair of homers.
“He just barrels balls, man,” Hendricks said. “The sound coming off the bat, it’s just different. He’s so fun to watch up there. Can’t wait to see what he’s got for us this whole year.”
On deck
Brewers at Cubs, 2:05 p.m. Friday, Mesa, Marquee (radio voice Pat Hughes moves to the TV side Friday and Sunday), 670-AM, Brandon Woodruff vs. Jake Arrieta.