Chris Volstad happy with spring training efforts

[March 19, 2012]  LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Chris Volstad isn't thinking about replacing Carlos Zambrano or where he'll pitch in the Chicago Cubs' rotation this season. He's just getting results.

The 6-foot-8, 230-pound Volstad, acquired from Miami in the January trade that sent the Cubs' former ace to the Marlins, allowed his only earned run in 10 spring training innings during Chicago's 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers in a split-squad game Sunday.

The right-handed Volstad allowed one run and four hits in four innings, struck out three and walked none at Cashman Field.

A 20 mph wind blowing out to center field didn't bother him.

"Once you get loose, you kind of forget about it," Volstad said. "It's a little bit different for a hitter, maybe."

Volstad has a 32-39 career major league record and has yet to remain on a major league roster for an entire season.

"I need more confidence, maybe; the mental approach of attacking on the mound -- another year of learning, a different mindset," Volstad said.

He isn't setting any concrete goals.

"I'm letting things take care of themselves," he said. "I can only make pitches when I am out there. I'll worry about keeping myself in shape and staying healthy. That's what I'm doing."

Texas starter Matt Harrison gave up one run and one hit in five innings, struck out five and walked one.

Julio Borbon's RBI single put Texas ahead in the first, but Chicago took a 2-1 lead on Alfonso Soriano's sacrifice fly in the fourth and Bobby Scales' run-scoring double in the eighth.

Texas tied the score in the eighth against Alberto Cabrera when Guilder Rodriguez doubled and scored on Ryan Strausborger's single.

Joe Mather hit a tiebreaking solo home run off Sean Green in the ninth, giving the Cubs a two-game split.

[Associated Press]

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