Bullpen falters in Mesa loss
Mesa held a two-run lead heading into the ninth, but Cubs farmhand Kevin Rhoderick couldn’t close the door as the Solar Sox fell 4-3 Wednesday afternoon.
Rhoderick, a right-hander who had a 1.59 ERA in 5.2 fall innings prior to Wednesday’s game, surrendered a walk to the second batter he faced. A single put men on first and second before Chris Dominguez ripped a homer to left. Rhoderick retired the next two batters in order, but the damage was done.
Cubs righty and minor league pitcher of the year Nick Struck also got a chance to pitch, giving up no hits, no walks and striking out three over two scoreless innings.
Matt Szczur led off the fifth inning with a single and scored on a Rafael Ynoa triple to center. He finished the day 1-for-4 with a walk.
Rubi Silva also recorded a hit—a single in the sixth—in four at-bats.
Mesa hosts Peoria Thursday with first pitch scheduled for 12:35 local time.
How the Cubs have fared:
