MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Brandon Allen belted a grand slam and drove in seven runs, and the Oakland Athletics beat the Cubs 12-10 on Sunday to spoil Chicago’s spring training opener.
Cubs starter Rodrigo Lopez pitched two perfect innings, striking out two. Chicago closer Carlos Marmol retired all three batters he faced, striking out one.
Jeff Beliveau, however, failed to get an out, giving up three walks and a run-scoring single by Josh Reddick. Beliveau was charged with four earned runs after Allen deposited a pitch by Dae-eun Rhee into the Cubs’ bullpen.
Eric Sogard then hit a solo homer off Rhee. Allen later hit a two-run double off Rhee and drove in the decisive run on a grounder.
Oakland starter Brandon McCarthy yielded three runs — two earned — and four hits in three innings.
