The Cubs welcomed the Royals to Sloan Park on Thursday night after their first off day of the spring Wednesday. The game was a pitcher’s duel through the first three innings before Kansas City hitters started to produce, eventually putting together a lopsided victory.
Ben Brown got the start Thursday night after Chicago’s scheduled starter, Justin Steele, was a late scratch with flu-like symptoms. Brown was sharp early, tossing three shutout innings, but he was matched by Royals starter Cole Ragans. The game was scoreless into the 4th inning.