The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers opened up Cactus League play on Wednesday afternoon as both teams got their 2009 season under way. We all remember the last time the Cubs and Dodgers played, the Dodgers beat the Cubs 3-1 and swept our beloved Cubbies out of the playoffs. Well today anyways, the Cubs got a little bit of revenge even though it was just spring training as they beat the Dodgers 5-3.

Micah Hoffpauir who is hoping to make the active roster as a backup first basemen and outfielder led the way for the Cubs as he hit a grand slam in the fifth inning off of Dodgers pitcher Ramon Troncoso. The grand slam came right after an error by the Dodgers and Hoffpauir sure made them pay just like you always want to do. Hoffpauir also had a hand in the Cubs first run when he grounded into a double play with the bases loaded in the first inning.

Jeff Samardzija was the starting pitcher for the Cubs and he pitched two innings while giving up two runs on three hits and two walks. It wasn’t the outing that the Shark was hoping for but I won’t put a lot of thought on it as it was the first game of spring training and he will have a lot more chances to show he has command of the ball.

Mitch Atkins was charged with the other run that the Dodgers scored.

Hoffpauir wasn’t hte only only player to collect hits for the Cubs at the plate as Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto both had a single in the game. Soriano also added on a walk to his totals. Ryan Theriot also finished the game two of three at the plate.

Up next for the Cubs is an afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday. Lefty Sean Marshall will get the start for the Cubs and he needs to show the team that he can control the ball and would be a good option for the fifth starter position.

Cubs spring training record: 1-0