Now batting ...

Piniella’s lineup for the Cubs’ Cactus League opener Thursday against San Francisco in Scottsdale:

SS Ryan Theriot

3B Ronny Cedeno

RF Kosuke Fukudome

1B Derrek Lee

LF Matt Murton

C Geo Soto

2B Alex Cintron

CF Felix Pie

P Ryan Dempster

Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez get an extra day before joining the lineup Friday when the Cubs open their home exhibition schedule.

Also scheduled to pitch after Dempster’s two innings: Sean Gallagher (two innings), Jose Ceda (one), Neal Cotts (one), Carmen Pignatiello (one), Jose Ascanio (one) and Kevin Hart (one).

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Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Cowboy hats, bell-bottoms and boots were on full display Thursday night as fans lined up for the first of his three sold-out shows.
The incident occurred about 3:40 p.m. near Minooka. The horse was successfully placed back into the trailer, and the highway reopened about 40 minutes later. No injuries were reported.
The Hawks conceded the game’s only two goals within the first seven minutes and were shut out for the 12th time this season in a 2-0 defeat Thursday.