Carlos Pena shines as Chicago Cubs defeat Chicago White Sox 4-3 – MLB Update
It seems as if Carlos Pena of Chicago Cubs has bounced back to original form as he led the National League franchise to 4-3 win over Chicago White Sox on Friday, March 11 in Cactus League game at Camelback Ranch Park in Arizona.
Pena opened his spring account hammering a splendid homer off Mark Buehrle, who allowed three runs on six hits in three innings.
"To be able to put good swings against a guy like Buehrle is a good thing," Pena said. "The fact he's a left-hander, it's usually a good sign when lefties can stay on a lefty and hit him back up the middle with strength. I am very happy about today. I'm
just going to keep on working on it."
The 33-year-old batter hit the road with a homer in second inning and made another score in third in his three at-bats. It was considered a slow start as compared to his record of 36 homers in a season for last four years.
"It all depends on the way I evaluate myself," Pena said. "If I evaluate how many hits I get, then I could say I got off to a bad start. The way I've been evaluating myself is more on how I feel and if I'm tracking pitches well and making hard contact.”
Looking at Pena as a constant source of trouble, opponents have devised a defensive strategy against him, according to Jaramillo, the hitting coach for the Cubs. However, Jaramillo advised Pena to let it go and took advantage remove doubts of pitching location
from mind. He further commented, Pena would have to judge the plan and made hit accordingly looking it as cat-and-mouse show.
The game was close contest as the White Sox bounced back in the ninth inning hitting three runs including a two-run home-run posted by Lastings Milledge off pitcher Jeff Samardzija, who consumed three runs on three hits in one inning. The White Sox failed
to maintain their four consecutive win streak and lost the game with one run. It was the White Sox eighth overall defeat in spring that moved their record to 5-8.
The defeat did not let down the White Sox camp and they remained determined due to important come-back in team. White Sox acquired their pitcher Jake Peavy after a light bull-pen session on Friday morning. He is scheduled to make his next spring appearance
on Monday against his former Major League Club the San Diego Padres.
Cubs’ success against their league rivals made their second straight win after defeating the Cleveland Indians on Thursday at HoHoKam stadium with 2-1. Brett Jackson and Jim Adduci designed the victory as they both made singles in ninth inning. It also made
the third walk-off win for Cubs including Jackson’s last walk-off on Thursday.
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