ROYALS 10, CUBS 2 (7)
Alzolay finding rhythm
Right-hander Adbert Alzolay was hit hard by the Rockies last Sunday, but his focus during the last week was on his mechanics.
Alzolay allowed two runs and three hits in 1‰ innings Saturday against the Royals and was removed from the game after hitting his predetermined pitch count.
‘‘We were working on some mechanical drills; that is what was going on last [game],’’ Alzolay said. ‘‘I was opening up too soon, so I was pulling everything. Today, I feel much, much better. I feel like my sinker and my fastball were working way better today. My curveball was there, too.’’
Marisnick plays ‘‘B’’ game
Outfielder Jake Marisnick got his first taste of game action this spring in a ‘‘B’’ game against the Diamondbacks at Sloan Park. Marisnick had been sidelined with a calf injury since the beginning of camp.
Marisnick, who’s expected to be the Cubs’ fourth outfielder this season, went 3-for-5 with a double as the designated hitter and is hoping to play the field soon.
‘‘A big part of my game is being able to run and do things on my legs,’’ Marisnick said ‘‘And I think with some of the stuff for the calf that we’ve been doing, we’ve had a chance to kind of work on my hips and work on my hamstrings that hurt me a little bit last year. So to be able to kind of take that time to really get in tune with everything in my body and work on everything was huge.’’
On deck
Angels at Cubs, 3:05 p.m. Sunday, Mesa, Marquee, Dylan Bundy vs. Trevor Williams.