CUBS 6, ROYALS 5
at Mesa, Ariz.
Tuesday, March 18

Royals at the plate: David DeJesus hit a leadoff triple and scored on Alberto Callaspo's groundout. Mark Teahen had three hits, including a game-tying RBI double in the seventh. Callaspo also hit a two-run double in the seventh.

Cubs at the plate: Mark DeRosa hit a RBI triple in the second, driving in Kosuke Fukudome, who reached on an infield single. Aramis Ramirez hit an opposite field, three-run homer with two outs in the sixth. Ronny Cedeno went 3-for-3, including a game-tying RBI triple. Cedeno scored the game-winner on Casey McGehee's pinch-hit single off Royals closer Joakim Soria. The game was played in front of 12,772 at HoHoKam Park, the Cubs' seventh sellout.

Royals on the mound: John Bale, in his fourth spring start, gave up four runs on five hits and one walk over 5 2/3 innings. Chin-hui Tsao escaped a jam in the sixth, striking out Geovany Soto to strand two.

Cubs on the mound: Jason Marquis, battling to secure one of the openings in the rotation, struck out four, walked two and gave up five hits over five-plus innings of one-run ball. Tim Lahey, a Rule 5 Draft pick, gave up four runs on four hits and one walk over one-third of an inning.

Cactus League records: Royals 10-10; Cubs 8-12.

Up next for the Cubs: The Cubs have a rare day-night doubleheader on Wednesday. They will play host to the Oakland Athletics at HoHoKam Park, sending Ryan Dempster to the mound against Joe Blanton. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. CT. The Cubs will also face the Giants in Scottsdale at night, with Jon Lieber slated to start. These are big starts for Dempster and Lieber, as the Cubs make a decision on the final rotation spots.

Up next for the Royals: After an off-day on Wednesday, the Royals resume play Thursday against the Brewers in Surprise. Right-hander Brett Tomko will start, and veteran Hideo Nomo, who is vying for a spot in the bullpen, also was expected to pitch in the game.