Defense shines in Series rematch

MESA, Ariz. -- There was no rain-delay rally on Sunday as the Cubs and Indians played to a 1-1 tie in their first meeting since Game 7 of the World Series.
Some of the Cubs players jokingly called Sunday's meeting "Game 8." Cubs manager Joe Maddon downplayed any significance of the rematch.
"It's just another Spring Training game," Maddon said.

Indians starter Danny Salazar, limited to 25 starts last season because of elbow problems, struck out three and walked one over two scoreless innings in his first spring start. Salazar, who was limited to relief duty in the World Series, also downplayed the fact that his first outing came against the Cubs.
"I'm just trying to get ready for the season," said Salazar, who said his focus was on establishing his fastball low in the zone. "If I start trying to get all pumped up, I'm just going to go out there and try to do more than what I can do at this point, and I might get hurt. It's better to take it easy and do your work."
"The first hitter, it was up, up, up," said Indians manager Terry Francona, referring to Salazar's leadoff walk to Jason Heyward in the first. "But, then he made some good adjustments. I thought he stayed in his delivery. And I thought the ball came out of his hand pretty good."

Jake Buchanan, one of several pitchers the Cubs want to see this spring as they work on depth in the system, got the start and walked one over two innings.
Tyler Naquin doubled down the right-field line to open the Indians' fourth against Casey Kelly, moved up on Abraham Almonte's fly ball to right and then scored on Carlos Santana's groundout. The Cubs tied the game in their half when Albert Almora Jr. walked with one out, reached third on Jemile Weeks' double and scored on Matt Szczur's single.

While most Cubs fans have watched the World Series documentary or at least replayed Game 7, Maddon has yet to do that. The final game of 2016 is still fresh.
"First memory, ground ball to third," he said of the final out as Kris Bryant threw to first baseman Anthony Rizzo to end the 8-7, 10-inning game and start the Cubs' celebration.
Up next
Indians: Right-hander Carlos Carrasco, whose 2016 season ended on Sept. 17 due to a fractured right hand, is healthy again and will make his Cactus League debut in a 3:05 p.m. ET tilt against Texas on Monday. Big league relievers Dan Otero and Zach McAllister are among the arms slated to pitch for the Tribe. The game will be available free on Indians.com via an exclusive audio webcast.
Cubs: Lefty Brett Anderson will make his Cubs debut on Monday against the White Sox. Anderson has made significant progress compared to last season, when he felt back pain during a live batting-practice session that resulted in March surgery. He's a candidate for the fifth-starter spot. First pitch was scheduled for 2:05 p.m. CT from Sloan Park. The game will be available free on Cubs.com via an exclusive audio webcast.
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