The Chicago Cubs took care of business in the first of their split-squad spring training action on Sunday with a 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers in Mesa, then a 7-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox in extra innings.
Against the Rangers, Joe Mather came up big for Chicago with a tie-breaking solo home run off Sean Green in the ninth inning. The Cubs were ahead when Guilder Rodriguez doubled and then scored on an RBI-single from Ryan Strausborger. That's what set up the game-winning situation for Mather in the ninth inning.
In the pitcher's duel, Chris Volstad gave up one run and four hits in four innings, while striking out three and walking none for Chicago. Texas pitcher Matt Harrison allowed one run and one hit in five innings, while striking out five and walking just one batter.
Against the White Sox, the Cubs tied the game at 5 with a pair of runs in the eighth inning, but it wasn't enough to withstand the hometown rivals, who came back with a two runs of their own the 10th inning.
To read more about the Chicago Cubs, go to SB Nation Chicago and visit Bleed Cubbie Blue.