Cubs beat Rockies with homer in ninth, and Ian Happ continues torrid spring

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ryan Court, a 29-year-old minor-league free agent signed for depth at Class AAA, hit the go-ahead solo home run with one out in the top of the ninth as the Cubs beat the Rockies 5-4 on Monday in a Cactus League game at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Ian Happ also hit his fourth homer of the spring, and Anthony Rizzo added his second for the Cubs in the game.

The Cubs improved to 7-2-2 this spring.

Leading-man looks

Ian Happ continued to rake from the leadoff spot, leading off the game with a double to left from the right side. He then hit a long home run to center from the left side in the fourth. That was the fourth homer of the spring for Happ, who’s 8-for-17 (.471) with six extra-base hits and a walk in six games — all from the leadoff spot. The Cubs’ other leadoff hitters are 1-for-16 with no walks in their six games this spring.

Game of adjustments

After a smooth, fluid spring debut last week, starter Kyle Hendricks said his mechanics were off Monday. “I was just quick, kind of pulling off everything,” said Hendricks, who gave up a one-out single to DJ LeMahieu in the first, followed by a two-run homer to Charlie Blackmon on a hanging changeup. “But I was able to make an adjustment, and the second inning felt much better, and the third inning felt the best. I guess at this point to be able to recognize that even and work on making that adjustment and do it, that’s a positive for me.” Hendricks struck out four, didn’t walk a batter and gave up only one other hit in three innings (48 pitches).

Outfield of dreams?

Maybe that’s an exaggeration. But Happ in center field and Kyle Schwarber in left made back-to-back diving catches to end the second — a sign that Kris Bryant may get little or no time in the outfield. “That’s probably true,” manager Joe Maddon said of third baseman Bryant, who got 19, 69 and nine games in the outfield in his first three seasons. There figures to be little need with Happ back for a full season, Schwarber looking fitter, Gold Glove winner Jason Heyward in right, Gold Glove candidate Albert Almora Jr. likely increasing his time in center and versatile Ben Zobrist getting more outfield time.

On deck

Dodgers at Cubs, Mesa, Wilmer Font vs. Yu Darvish, 2:05  p.m. Tuesday, cubs.com audio.

Follow me on Twitter @GDubCub.

Email: gwittenmyer@suntimes.com