VIDEO: Yu Darvish is Looking Filthy in First Start at Cubs Spring Training
By Sean Facey
The top of the Chicago Cubs' rotation looks to be in good hands heading into the 2020 season. Ace Yu Darvish made the Milwaukee Brewers look foolish in his first appearance of Spring Training, logging three strikeouts in two innings of work.
Three strikeouts on the day for @faridyu. pic.twitter.com/Oe75QDhZF1
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 29, 2020
Everything was working for Darvish after he allowed a lead-off home run on the first pitch. All three of his strikeouts came on swings-and-misses, a good sign that he's keeping hitters off balance.
He also kept things in control, allowing zero walks in his brief appearance. After struggling to find the strike zone at times last year, this strong performance looks to be a continuation of the fantastic play that characterized his second half of the season last year in which he logged 124 strikeouts in just 14 starts.
Darvish done after two powerful innings.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 29, 2020
After first-pitch homer leading off the game, Darvish retired 6 of 7 with 3 Ks, no walks and threw at least four different pitches for strikes -- including a fastball that reached 98 multiple times.
Darvish finished last season off on a strong note, and he looks to be starting 2020 off on the same foot.