Cubs Recap: Hoffpauir 'Slams' Cubs Over Los Angeles Dodgers

On a beautiful day that had hints of spring in the air here in the Chicagoland area reminded us a lot of a gorgeous April or May day when the Cubs would be playing some baseball. Well, it's not April, it's February. But the Cubs did play some baseball today. 

The Cubs opened up the first of their 39 game schedule today at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, Arizona. Jeff Samardzija got the start today for the Cubs who were taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers, the same team that just four months ago knocked the Cubs out of the playoffs. 

Samardzija is hoping to have a shot at that vacancy in the pitching rotation made by the departure of Jason Marquis to the Colorado Rockies. He opened things up by working a 1-2-3 first. 

Then the offense got rolling. Alfonso Soriano, looking the healthiest he has in a long time got on base. Theriot followed with a base hit, as did Derrek Lee. Micah Hoffpauir unfortunately, grounded into a double play, but at the same time giving the Cubs their first run and the lead. 

Samardzija came close to getting out of a jam in his second inning, but allowed a two run single with two outs from Tony Abreu. The Dodgers then added on another run in the fourth inning against Cubs pitching prospect Mitch Atkins. 

In the fifth inning, Hoffpauir once again came to the plate with the bases loaded and the Cubs trailing 3-1. Hoffpauir hit a grand slam off Ramon Troncoso to give the Cubs the 5-3 lead. It was all the scoring that would take place for the rest of the game. 

Cubs Cactus League Record: 1-0

Dodger Cactus League Record: 0-1

Winning Pitcher: Ken Kadokura

Losing Pitcher: Ramon Troncoso

Save: Jeff Stevens

Coming up next for the Cubs: The Cubs will host the division rival Brewers. Sean Marshall, also a contender for the vacant starting pitching position, will get the start for the Cubs, while the Brewers will throw out projected ace Yovani Gallardo.