Alzolay applies what he learned in South Bend
The players at the Cubs satellite camp in South Bend are doing more than just staying in shape in case of big-league emergency.
Adbert Alzolay, who started Game 2 against St. Louis on Wednesday, worked to perfect a new pitch, a two-seam fastball. Rookie pitcher Tyson Miller, who made his major league debut on Monday, was doing the same.
Everything paid off for Alzolay as he gave the Cubs a much-needed five-inning performance in Game 2. The Venezuela native allowed just 2 hits, 1 run and struck out six.
"That's the whole goal of South Bend is take those guys that have a future in this organization and to have them get better and work on things," Cubs manager David Ross said. "We have a coaching staff down there that's putting in the work, looking at the data, looking at the pitch mix and where they can improve. I think the credit goes to the player as always to put in the work and be willing to grow."
Alzolay, who started two games for the Cubs last summer, said he had success with the two-seamer against the Cardinals.
"It feels really good," Alzolay said after the game. "We've been putting a lot of work in those new pitches, just seeing the results we were getting today in the game, it was awesome. I feel like the work we have been putting in for the last five months is really paying off right now."
Alzolay left with a 2-1 lead, but didn't get the victory. But it seems likely he'll be back on the mound for the Cubs soon.
"I liked his mentality today," Ross said. "He's been focused and looking forward to that start. He's a guy that's going to pitch big innings for us this season. He's a huge depth piece that we have and you can see what he's capable of."