Friars fall flat in 8-2 spring loss to Cubs

The Cubs jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the second inning on Wednesday in Peoria, eventually overwhelming the Padres by a score of 8-2 thanks to a pair of deep shots by both catcher Willson Contreras and first baseman Anthony Rizzo.

Chris Paddack got the start against Chicago but was pulled after 1 ²⁄₃ innings where he allowed four runs — one on a wild pitch — walked three, and struck out just two batters. Craig Stammen came in for the third ad fourth innings, striking out four and allowing a single run. Parker Markel pitched the final 1 ²⁄₃ innings, also striking out four and walking one.

Offensively, Jake Cronenworth and Manny Machado knocked in the Padres’ two RBIs and Tommy Pham finished with an efficient three-for-three at the plate with one run scored.

Contreras led the Cubs with a three run homer in the second and a two-RBI triple in the bottom of the sixth. He finished four-of-five at the plate with five RBIs.

The Padres host the A’s later this evening at 1:10 p.m.