PEORIA, Ariz. -- Kyle Hendricks expected it to feel strange to have fans back in the stands again, as opposed to the pumped-in crowd noise that players experienced in last year's pandemic-impacted 2020 season. Instead, it just felt normal, all the way down to the hecklers.

"You hear everything," Hendricks said with a smile. "It was just back to somewhat of normal. It was super exciting. Walking out there and seeing fans in the stands, having people cheer, we obviously really, really missed that. You saw it from all the guys."

The Cubs have always drawn well, even on the road, during Spring Training. The the North Siders received plenty of cheer both before and during Monday's 1-0 Cactus League win over San Diego. And it was not just the atmosphere that felt more normal -- Hendricks' performance was plenty familiar, too.

Over two quick innings, Hendricks struck out two, surrendered just one hit and issued a lone walk to seven batters faced. The leadoff free pass in the opening frame at the Peoria Sports Complex was wiped away by a 3-6-1 double play. The one-out single in the second was followed by a strikeout and groundout.

Hendricks loved the showing by the Cubs' defense out of the gates.

"It's obviously one of the most important things, if not the most important thing," Hendricks said. "And we've put a huge emphasis on that, especially with the guys we're running out there. I know, for me, I rely on soft contact; I rely on balls in play. So those guys behind me making plays like that, it's awesome to see."

Hello, old friend
When Anthony Rizzo stepped to the plate in the first inning on Monday, the Cubs' veteran put an arm around Padres catcher Victor Caratini. Caratini spent the past four seasons with Chicago, but he was dealt to San Diego over the winter.

"Vic was one of the favorites around here," Cubs manager David Ross said prior to Monday's game. "He came and established himself as a big leaguer, just the way he carries himself and being a role player for many years, backing up Willson [Contreras] and finding his niche. Really, I've watched him grow for multiple years."

San Diego acquired Caratini as part of a package for ace Yu Darvish, who established a strong rapport with the catcher over the past two years. With Caratini no longer in the fold, the Cubs signed veteran backup Austin Romine to serve as the No. 2 behind Contreras.

"His presence already has been felt," Ross said of Romine. "I think he's extremely comfortable already in this group, giving great feedback to pitchers. He's got great leadership qualities that you can see coming out really fast."

Worth noting
• Righty Shelby Miller has not pitched in a regular-season MLB game since June 25, 2019, but he made his Cubs debut in Monday's spring game against the Padres. Miller (in camp as a non-roster invitee) followed Hendricks with one inning of work, in which he sidestepped the potential damage of consecutive hits allowed with a strikeout and double play.

• Right-hander Zach Davies -- acquired in the Darvish trade -- is slated to make his first start for the Cubs on Wednesday against the Mariners.

• Center fielder Brennen Davis -- ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Cubs' top position-player prospect -- flied out to deep right field in his lone at-bat on Monday.

Quotable
"I saw him when I was walking out, so I got to talk to him just a little bit. That was really cool. Just asked how he was doing, how him and Darvish like it over here. And then, when he stepped in the box, there was a little smirk back and forth. And then, down to business." -- Hendricks, on seeing Caratini

Up next
Right-hander Adbert Alzolay, who is competing for a spot on the Cubs' pitching staff, is scheduled to start for the North Siders in a 2:05 p.m. CT Cactus League clash with the Royals at Sloan Park on Tuesday. Kris Bryant, Ian Happ and Jason Heyward will likely make their spring debuts.