The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 9-8 in their final Cactus League game of the spring.  The bats were buzzing in the last game in Mesa.  Joey Gaithright, Andres Blanco and Koyie Hill each had 2 hits for the Cubs.  Hill had a 3-run triple, while Alfonso Soriano led off the Cubs 1st inning with a solo home run and scored 2 runs.

The pitching was not so hot for the Cubs.  In 4 innings of work, Ryan Dempster gave up 3 earned runs on 5 hits (including 2 home runs), but he did have 7 strikeouts.  Chad Gaudin, battling for a spot in the bullpen, got lit up for 3 runs on 6 hits over just 2 innings of work.  Carlos Marmol and David Patton also gave up a run each in relief.

Not the best way to end spring training, but a win is a win.  I’m sure the Cubs are ready for the regular season to begin.  This spring has lasted forever, so it will be good for the games to finally start counting for something.