Fukudome drives in run ... against Cubs

MESA, Ariz. - Kosuke Fukudome got the last word against his Cubs teammates.

After trading barbs with Carlos Zambrano in his first 2 at-bats for Japan, Fukodome singled in a run to help lift his World Baseball Classic squad over his big-league club 3-2 on Thursday.

"He was like, 'You got me,' and I said, 'Hit it if you can,' " Zambrano said. "We were kidding around, having fun with my teammates."

Earlier Thursday, Zambrano was named the team's opening-day starter for the fifth straight season.

"It was between him and right-hander Ryan Dempster. We talked about it, (pitching coach) Larry (Rothschild) and I, and I talked to both pitchers," manager Lou Piniella said. "We came up to the conclusion that this would be the best way to go."

Zambrano allowed 2 runs - 1 earned - and 3 hits with a walk and 2 strikeouts in 4 innings against Japan, which advanced to the second round of the WBC. He has a 3.00 ERA in 9 innings this spring with 10 strikeouts and 2 walks.

"I'm ready to go," he said. "I'm 85, 90 percent and looking forward to the season."

Lou Piniella got his first glimpse of Fukudome this spring because the outfielder remained in Japan to train with the WBC team.

"He made some contact and drove in a run," Piniella said. "He looked good in center field."

Zambrano denied a report that he might be available for Valenzuela in the second round of the World Baseball Classic.

"I am not ready to go and pitch 7 innings," he said. "I will be here and I am just trying to focus on my team here. I wish them the best of luck."

The Cubs also saw the return of closer candidate Carlos Marmol from the WBC after the Dominican Republic team was eliminated, and nonroster invitee infielder Cory Koskie showed up for his physical after Canada's elimination.

Infielder Aaron Miles will miss the next few games due to a sore throwing shoulder. Piniella believes it is a reaction to playing three positions (second base, shortstop and third base) and the different throws required.

Relievers Kevin Gregg, Angel Guzman, Neal Cotts and Randy Wells all threw scoreless innings.