CUBS 9, ATHLETICS 8
at Mesa, Ariz.
Wednesday, March 7

Athletics at the plate: Jason Kendall had two hits, including a leadoff double in the first. Shannon Stewart added an RBI single. Kurt Suzuki tied the game at 8 with a two-run single in the seventh.

Cubs at the plate: The Cubs hit for the cycle in the first inning when Alfonso Soriano hit his first spring homer leading off, Aramis Ramirez hit an RBI triple and scored on Jacque Jones' single, and Jones tallied a run on Michael Barrett's double. The Cubs have homered in six straight games. Jones was 3-for-3 with three RBIs, adding an RBI single in the second and another in the fourth. All of his hits were off left-handed pitchers.

Athletics on the mound: Starter Joe Kennedy gave up five runs on eight hits and one walk over two innings. He also drew a walk with the bases loaded in the second. Lenny DiNardo gave up one run on four hits and one walk over two innings.

Cubs on the mound: Opening Day starter Carlos Zambrano gave up two runs on two hits and three walks over three innings, while striking out three. Scott Eyre had a tough outing, giving up two runs on three hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. Jeff Samardzija made his second appearance, and gave up one run on two hits in two innings.

Cactus League records: Athletics 3-3-1; Cubs 3-3-1.

Up next: The Athletics will play host to the Texas Rangers on Thursday. Dan Haren is scheduled to start against Vicente Padilla. The Cubs travel to Peoria, Ariz., to face a familiar face, Greg Maddux, who is now pitching for the San Diego Padres. Wade Miller is slated to make his second spring start for the Cubs. Kerry Wood also was on the list to make his second spring appearance in relief.