Cubs 3, Royals 1 (sixth inning)
The Cubs took advantage of an error and wild pitch to score twice in the fourth inning and hold a 2-1 lead over the Royals after 5 1/2 innings Wednesday at Surprise Stadium.
At the plate: Catcher Victor Caratini, in his first major league camp, adds value as a switch-hitter. Caratini, targeted to start the season at Triple-A Iowa, sliced a single down the left field line that started the two-run rally.
On the mound: Eddie Butler pitched at a brisk tempo and trusted his defense. After allowing a home run to Alcides Escobar on the second pitch, Butler settled down and retired six of the next seven batters. Unfortunately for Butler, he nailed former Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler with a pitch with two out in the second.
In the field: Jon Jay started the game in left and could get plenty of work there as part of double-switches late in games. Non-roster invitee Munenori Kawasaki got another long look at shortstop and started an inning-ending double play in the fourth.
Key number: 18 – Strikes thrown by Butler in a 21-pitch outing.
Up next: Cubs vs. Reds, 2:05 p.m., Thursday at Goodyear Ballpark. LH Rob Zastryzny vs. LH Amir Garrett. Cubs vs. Diamondbacks, 8:10 p.m., Thursday at Salt River Fields. RH Jake Buchanan vs. RH Shelby Miller.
