Bako Has Four Hits as Cubs Rout Athletics

Written By Associated Press

Ryan Dempster gave up a run and three hits in 4 1-3 innings while Paul Bako went 4-4 with three RBIs in the Cubs 20-5 victory over the Oakland Athletics. Derrek Lee hit his first homer of spring training and Ryan Theriot went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and scored two runs for Chicago.
PHOENIX (AP)—Paul Bako had four hits and three RBIs even though he had his first at-bat in the sixth inning, and the Chicago Cubs roughed up Dana Eveland in a 20-5 win over the Oakland Athletics on Monday.

Derrek Lee hit his first homer of spring training and Ryan Theriot went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and scored two runs for Chicago. Jake Fox, Reed Johnson and Bobby Scales each had three RBIs.
Eveland, the A’s likely opening-day starter, gave up five runs in four innings. He allowed eight of the Cubs’ 24 hits. “I couldn’t put guys away,” Eveland said. “I’d get ahead and then miss my spot and catch a lot of the plate.”

It was the second straight start in which Eveland was hit hard. The previous outing was in a minor league game. He said he feels a sense of urgency to get better results as the start of the season nears. “I have high expectations of myself this late in the spring,” he said. “I’ve got two more starts down here. I need to get locked and ready to go for Game 1.”

Edgar Gonzalez, who is in the running for a spot in the A’s rotation only got two outs while giving up eight hits and seven runs. He has allowed 13 runs in 3 1-3 innings over his past two outings and has a 12.75 ERA this spring. Cubs starter Ryan Dempster gave up a run and three hits in 4 1-3 innings. He got into a one-out bases-loaded jam in the fourth, but struck out Aaron Cunningham and Jack Hannahan.

“It’s nice to get into situations like that and get out of them, because you will have to do it in the regular season,” Dempster said.

Cubs right-hander Kevin Gregg got two outs to complete his first back-to-back appearances of the spring. He said he feels good about what he’s done in his effort to beat out Carlos Marmol for the closer job. Manager Lou Piniella is expected to announce his closer this week.

“That’s his decision,” Gregg said. “I’m just getting ready for opening day, doing what I do. Whenever he makes the decision, it doesn’t change what I’m doing here.” ^Notes: Cubs LHP Ted Lilly, who was expected back in Arizona on Monday following the World Baseball Classic, is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Tuesday. … RHP Justin Duchscherer threw 40 pitches in the bullpen, sitting down after the first 20 to simulate the break between innings. Duchscherer, who has had a sore elbow all spring, will make his next appearance in a minor league game, tentatively scheduled for Thursday. … 3B Eric Chavez is scheduled to play defense in a minor league game on Tuesday. It would be Chavez’s first game action on the field this spring. Chavez is rehabbing from right shoulder surgery. … C Landon Powell was unavailable because of a strained intercostal muscle. He is day to day. … RHP Brad Ziegler returned to the A’s from the WBC. Ziegler, who pitched only 3 1-3 innings in the WBC, said he is behind in his preparation for the season, but he can catch up with a few games. Ziegler is scheduled to pitch in minor league games on Tuesday and Thursday and then pitch in a big league game this weekend.