Game recap: The D-backs' bats went quiet in the first of two exhibition games against the Cubs at Chase Field, as they were held scoreless through seven innings. The D-backs scored their lone run in the eighth and left the bases loaded to end the inning before stranding two more runners in the ninth.
Trevor Cahill made his final spring start and took the loss, finishing the spring 1-2 with a 6.95 ERA.
Hitting notes: Edwin Jackson held Arizona hitless for three innings before Aaron Hill singled in the fourth. The D-backs managed two hits in the fifth but still couldn't get on the scoreboard. They finally scored in the eighth inning when Cliff Pennington tripled with two outs and scored on minor leaguer Evan Marzilli's double to deep center field. A pair of walks followed to load the bases but Tuffy Gosewisch struck out to strand all three runners.
Pitching notes: Making a spring training start after starting last weekend against the Dodgers in Australia, Cahill gave up a leadoff double to Cubs infielder Emilio Bonifacio, who came around to score after two groundouts. The next five innings were a slog for Cahill, who ultimately allowed three runs on eight hits, five strikeouts and three walks. He escaped a two-outs, bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning by getting Jackson to strike out looking.
"The middle innings I got into some trouble, but I was able to get through it," Cahill said. "It was nice to get one in (Chase Field). Different surrounding, different backdrop. It was the first time I (went six innings), so I was happy with that."
Oliver Perez followed Cahill with a perfect seventh inning. J.J. Putz then came on and escaped the eighth unscathed despite giving up a double and a walk, and Will Harris pitched a clean ninth.
Short hops: The D-backs announced Friday former broadcaster Joe Garagiola, Sr. will throw out the first pitch for the team's home opener against the Giants on Monday. ... Prior to the first pitch of Monday's game, D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and outfielder Gerardo Parra will receive their 2013 Rawlings Gold Glove awards. Goldschmidt will also receive other awards earned in 2013, including the Louisville Silver Slugger, Hank Aaron and Mel Ott awards. ... Bronson Arroyo will make just his second spring training start Saturday after recovering from a bulging disc in his back. He is expected to pitch Thursday in the series finale against the Giants or Friday against the Rockies in Colorado.
Quotable: "I think they're ready for the season to start. Our schedule over the last two weeks has been fairly hectic. We've just got to get through it. That's just the way it is." -- D-backs manager Kirk Gibson on the quiet offensive night.
Saturday's game: D-backs (12-12) vs. Cubs (14-18), Chase Field, 1:10 p.m.
Probable pitchers: Bronson Arroyo (0-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Jason Hammel (1-0, 4.26)
