SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Jason Heyward hit a solo home run for his first hit with the Cubs in the Colorado Rockies’ 4-2 victory over a Chicago split squad on Monday.
Heyward, who left St. Louis in December for a $184 million, eight-year deal with the rival Cubs, pulled Jon Gray’s 96 mph fastball onto the grassy hill over the right-field wall in the first inning. He had been 0 for 4 in two games.
“I’ve had good at-bats the last couple days,” Heyward said. “I know what I have to do get myself ready and (the Cubs) let each one of us do that as players. It’s been fun, a great atmosphere to come into every day and come to work.”
Anthony Rizzo also hit a 452-foot solo homer to straightaway center off Gray, who walked three while getting eight outs in his second outing.
Aaron Brooks gave up a single to Nolan Arenado and a walk while striking out two in two scoreless innings for the Cubs. It was his first start since being acquired from Oakland in a trade last month.
Colorado’s D.J. LeMahieu had an RBI double and made three fine defensive plays at second base.