The Giants faced the Cubs on a Friday afternoon game, two teams with World Series championships in the past decade but who have decidedly lower goals this season.  So, of course, it ended in another tie, leaving the Giants at 10-10 this spring with five ties.

The most impressive player of the day was a Cub, Palo Alto native Joc Pederson.  Pederson was 2-for-3 with two home runs, and his third at-bat was a fly ball that was caught against the wall.  He’s got seven home runs on the spring now.  It’ll be a little easier to root for the Bay Area kid now that he’s not a Dodger anymore.

But, there were Giants making notes, too.

Impressions

Austin Slater – 1-2, 2 R, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB – With two runners on, Slater homered in his first at-bat, with two strikes, well into the batter’s eye in center.  His second time up, he hit a high pop fly to right.  He drew a walk in his third at-bat.

Just to note, that home run was against Kyle Hendricks, a right-hander.  Slater’s going to be interesting to watch once the season starts.

Joey Bart – 1-2, 1 RBI, 1 2B, 1 SO – His first time up, he struck out on a high slider that was called for strike three.  His second time up, Bart struck a looping double just down the right field line that went for an RBI double.  Defensively, had a base stolen off him that was close, but he bounced the throw in and it was just late.

It was a bit of a mixed day for Bart, but he’s also continuing to show that he’s a very different player from last summer.  He’s still got some work to do, but he will be back in the Majors soon.

Caleb Baragar – 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO – The first batter he faced struck out on a foul tip off his fastball.  The next batter, Pederson, hit a fly ball to the track in right, almost hitting his second home run of the day.  The next batter hit a line drive to right that was caught for an out.

For his second inning, the first batting hit a high fastball that bounced off the center field fence to a triple to lead off the inning.  The next batter hit a sacrifice fly to score the run.  The next batter walked.  After that, Baragar got a fly ball almost to the track in right center for an out.  He then struck out the next batter swinging on a high fastball to end the inning.

Baragar’s probably got a ticket for the minors due to the fact he’s got options, but he gave a good showing in what might be his last spring appearance.  He even shut down the hot-hitting Joc Pederson (by just barely), so that’s not nothing.

Nick Tropeano – 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO, 1 HR – Starting the game, the first batter doubled on a sharp line drive to right.  The second batter cued a ball off the end of his bat to second base for a groundout.  The next batter, ex-Giant Joc Pederson, hit a 2-run home run to straightaway right.  Tropeano came back to strike out Rizzo on a changeup swinging.  The next batter walked.  Trop got out of the first inning after giving up a sharp line drive that was caught on the run by the right fielder.

His second inning, he again gave up a double to lead off the inning.  He struck out the next batter looking on a changeup.  The next two batters each grounded out to second to end the inning.

Not the best effort from Tropeano, who’s best chance at making the majors for opening day is in a long relief role.

Fun note: The Cubs broadcast had Rizzo talking to the broadcasters even as he was in his first at-bat.  He was telling the broadcasters when, with two strikes, he was expecting a fastball in.  After that, catcher Cade Casali called for a changeup on the outside half, and Trop got the strikeout.  Good on the announcers for not warning Rizzo, though.

Top Prospects

Heliot Ramos – 0-1, 1 SO – In his first at-bat, he struck out looking at a fastball on the outside corner.

Will Wilson – 0-1 – His first time up, he jumped on the first pitch and popped it up to center field.

Patrick Bailey – 0-1 – In his first at-bat, he hit a pop fly in foul territory on the third base side.

Others

Joe McCarthy – 0-2, 1 SO – He struck out swinging in his first at-bat.  His next time up, he hit a fly ball to the track in the corner, but it was caught on the run for an out.

Jose Alvarez – 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO, 1 HR – He was greeted on the first pitch with a weakly hit ball down the first base line for a single.  The next batter hit a fielder’s choice to short to catch the lead batter.  Pederson then had his third at-bat, and he hit a home run to right-center.  Alvarez was lifted after that batter.

Jarlin Garcia – 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 SO, 1 HBP – Garcia came into the game with the bases empty and one out in the fifth.  He hit the first batter he faced with a slider in the batter’s arms.  The next batter grounded to second into a double play to end the inning.

LaMonte Wade Jr – 0-1, 1 HBP – His first time up, he got hit by a pitch on his lower leg, but he dodged it enough for it to glance off for no apparent injury.  In his next at-bat, he hit a high fly ball to center for an out.

Jason Vosler – 0-1 – Grounded out in his first at-bat to second.

Logan Wyatt – 0-1, 1 SO – He struck out swinging on a fastball inside in his first time up.