Venable's timely knock lifts Friars over Cubs
Two-run double backs up Bass' four-inning start for split squad
MESA, Ariz. -- Will Venable hit a two-run tiebreaking double in the fourth inning to back Anthony Bass and lead a split Padres squad to a 5-1 victory Saturday over the Cubs.
Bass, making his fifth appearance, gave up one run on one hit over four innings in his longest outing.
Travis Wood, trying to stay in contention for a spot in the Cubs' rotation, gave up three runs on five hits over 3 2/3 innings. It was the left-hander's longest appearance this spring.
Alfonso Soriano doubled to lead off the Chicago second inning, and he scored one out later on Darwin Barney's sacrifice fly.
Yasmani Grandal singled to lead off the Padres' fourth, and Jeremy Hermida was hit by a pitch. One out later, Jonathan Galvez singled to score Grandal and tie the game at 1. Anthony Bass was safe on a fielder's choice, forcing Galvez at second, and Wood was pulled. Venable, who leads the Padres in hits and doubles this spring, greeted Trever Miller with a double into the gap in right-center field, driving in two runs to go ahead, 3-1.
Up next: The Padres face the D-backs at 1:05 p.m. PT on Sunday at the Peoria Sports Complex. Dustin Moseley, who appears to be in line as the fifth starter in the rotation, takes the mound, and he is scheduled to throw upward of six innings. Moseley has a 3.00 ERA in three Cactus League appearances, though he also pitched well in a Minor League game against a Mariners farm team last week. Joe Wieland, considered one of the Padres' top prospects, is scheduled to go three innings.
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings, and you can follow her on Twitter@CarrieMuskat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.




