MESA, Ariz. – Veteran Cubs pitcher Jon Lester doesn't need much fine-tuning in spring training games, so allowing some baserunners in his Saturday start was a good way to prepare for the regular season.
The Cubs' Opening Day starter faced fifteen batters in his three innings against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk while striking out four. Lester tossed 27 pitches in the first inning and 22 in the second, but then worked a quick 1-2-3 third after talking the coaching staff into another frame. The Cubs won 4-3.