Eugene Hoshiko/AP Photos
TOKYO – Cubs opener Julian Merryweather needed just six pitches to get through the first inning.
“It’s nice to not have to think about injuries and pain when you’re pitching,” Merryweather said after throwing a perfect inning in the Cubs’ 3-0 loss to the Hanshin Tigers in an exhibition game Saturday. “So, been able to really get back to what I’ve been working on my whole career, working on my mechanics, repeatable delivery. So when that’s my focus, I feel like that’s when I’m at my best.