Cubs beat the Rangers, Ian Stewart with 1st HR of spring

The Cubs beat the Texas Rangers, 11-4 today.  Matt Garza made his final start of the Cactus League season.  Manager Dale Sveum confirmed he will announce Friday who the team's Opening Day starter will be (either Ryan Dempster or Garza). 

Garza pitched five innings today and gave up three runs, two hits, walked three, and struck out three.  Out of 81 pitches thrown, 48 were strikes.  Joe Mather was 3 for 3, with a home run, single, and double.  Alfonso Soriano also hit a two-run home run in the 5th inning.  Ian Stewart hit his first home run of the spring.  RHP Marcos Mateo was pulled in the 6th inning after throwing just two pitches.  His injury is unknown.

The Cubs optioned RHP Andy Sonnanstine to Triple-A Iowa today.  The Cubs roster currently stands at 47 players.

Cubs pitcher Andy Sonnanstine was optioned to Triple-A Iowa today (photo from US Presswire)

2 weeks until Opening Day!