MESA, Ariz. -- It didn't matter to Cubs pitcher John Lackey that he was facing Team Italy.
"It's Spring Training," Lackey said after his first spring outing in Tuesday's 8-7 Cubs loss to Italy's World Baseball Classic team. "I kind of have a routine of what I do the first start, second start. The last two starts before the season, I'll pitch with everything and go get 'em."
Lackey gave up one hit over two innings against Team Italy, a two-out single to Alex Liddi in the second. The Cubs right-hander finished his outing by striking out Gavin Cecchini.