BREWERS 8, CUBS 3 (7)
ARRIETA FEELING GOOD
The Cubs have brought right-hander Jake Arrieta along slowly this spring, and that approach is paying early dividends. Arrieta pitched 3 1/3 innings against the Brewers, throwing 55 pitches in his second Cactus League start.
Arrieta allowed some loud contact in his first start, but despite giving up two runs and four hits Friday, he was able to avoid the barrel and use his secondary pitches effectively.
“My last [start] started out with guys on first and second, pitched out of it,” Arrieta said.
“Mechanically, still had quite a few things that I needed to tighten up. Today was much better in that regard. Fatigued a little bit after the third, and I was glad that they sent me back out for the fourth [inning] to get that extra up and down.
GOLDEN DEFENSE
It may be spring training, but shortstop Javy Baez’s defense is already in midseason form.
The 2020 Gold Glove winner made his first highlight play in the second inning after Orlando Arcia hit a ground ball deep in the hole toward third base. Baez attempted to backhand the ball, but it popped up right to his throwing hand, and he fired a strike to first base to get the out.
He saved his best, however, for the fourth inning. Derek Fisher hit a ball up the middle that Baez bobbled behind second base. He somehow found a way to flip the ball between his legs to Kris Bryant to get Arcia at second on a forceout.
ON DECK
Cubs at Royals, 2:05 p.m. Saturday, Surprise, Adbert Alzolay vs. TBD. ✶