The Cubs allowed 20 hits in a 13-5 loss to the Indians in Mesa yesterday. Alfonso Soriano was 2-for-2 with a solo homer while Johermyn Chavez also left the yard on a solo blast. Starter Alberto Cabrera was roughed up to the tune of five runs in two-and-two-thirds innings. The Cubbies take on the Rockies in Scottsdale this afternoon.
White Sox reliever Jesse Crain will sit out of the World Baseball Classic because of a right adductor strain. Crain was set to pitch for Team Canada, but felt discomfort in his groin area during his lone spring outing just over a week ago. He posted a 2.44 ERA in 51 games last year. Crain had pitched for Canada in the previous two WBC tournaments.
The White Sox used a four-run fourth inning to take care of the Giants in Glendale yesterday, 6-2. Jeff Keppinger was 3-for-3 with a run scored while Dwayne Wise connected on a three-run homer. John Danks gave up one run over two innings in the start. Chicago takes on Team USA this afternoon from Camelback Ranch.