The Chicago Cubs (6-10) lost a pair of games on Saturday, falling to both the Texas Rangers (4-10) and the Oakland Athletics (12-4) in split squad action.
Cubs 7, Rangers 12
Despite a strong effort from SP Jeff Samardzija (L, 1-1), the Cubs' could not beat the Rangers offensive juggernaut. The 27-year-old Samardzija completed 4.0 innings and allowed only 3 H and 1 ER with 3 K. Lefty RP James Russell did not fair as well, allowing a pair of runs in his one inning to give Texas a 3-0 lead.
The Cubs tried to stage a late comeback, but poor performances from RP Trever Miller (1.0 IP, 5 ER) and RP Casey Weathers (0.0 IP, 3 ER) sealed the Cubs' fate. The Cubs relievers died the death of a thousand cuts as the Rangers had only 2 extra base hits, but kept the basepaths warm with 10 singles and 5 walks.
Rule 5 Draft pick 2B Adrian Cardenas had a stellar day at the plate with a 3 for 4 outing, including a homer and a double. SS Junior Lake (1 for 4) and C Steve Clevenger (1 for 2) also homered.
Cubs 3, Athletics 4
The Cubs also proved unable to muster enough offense against the Athletics, again despite a strong performance from their starter, SP Paul Maholm (L, 0-1). The former Pirates lefty pitched 3.0 innings with 3 K and 3 BB, allowing 3 unearned runs.
RP Ryan Rowland-Smith followed up with a pair of quiet innings (2.0 IP, 1 BB, 2 H) and then non-roster invitee RP Manuel Corpas pitched the next two frames (2.0 IP, 2 K, 2 H, 1 ER), allowing the decisive run on a 6th inning sac fly. RP Esmailin Caridad closed out the game and struck out all three batters he faced.
C Geovany Soto proved a menace to the A's pitchers as he went 2 for 2 with a walk, a double and a homer. The Cubs also got a triple from leadoff man David DeJesus, who went 1 for 3.
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