The Cubs dropped their second game to the Reds in as many days, falling 8-4 in Mesa, Arizona. They went scoreless through seven innings after going scoreless through six Thursday. Top prospect Eloy Jimenez hit a solo homer and prospect Yasiel Balaguert a three-run shot in the Cubs’ four-run eighth.
Heyward watch
Bounce-back hopeful Jason Heyward walked, grounded to first and struck out in his fifth game as he tries to load up on at-bats. He’s 0-for-13 with two walks. “I just want him to be comfortable,” manager Joe Maddon said. “I’ve liked his at-bats.”
Not a full Monty
Lefty Mike Montgomery reached 31 pitches by the end of a five-batter first inning and had his request for a second inning declined in his second start. Part of that might have been the “60-something pitches” he threw in the bullpen Wednesday to rediscover a feel he said was missing. He gave up an unearned run and struck out three. Five of his six outs this spring have come on strikeouts.
Tough inning
Right-hander Aaron Brooks struggled in the third, allowing consecutive singles to load the bases. Then he hit Eugenio Suarez with a pitch, got a tough out on a line drive to first and hit Dilson Herrera with a pitch. At that point, he was pulled. Dallas Beeler took over, immediately hit another batter and walked a fourth run in before getting the final two outs of the inning.
La Stella returns
Infielder Tommy La Stella, who had been held out of games because of a tight hamstring, flied out in two at-bats and handled second base without issue.
On deck
Dodgers at Cubs, Mesa, 2:05 p.m., Ch. 9, cubs.com audio, Kenta Maeda vs. Kyle Hendricks.
