Cubs' Cade Horton focused on spring-training 'process' as he allows six runs to Rangers

SURPRISE, Ariz. — When Cubs right-hander Cade Horton evaluated Rangers infielder Josh Smith’s at-bat in the second inning Tuesday, the problem wasn’t so much the fastball he hit over the fence. It was the two curveballs before that, which crossed the plate too low to be competitive.

‘‘I got myself into a bad count,’’ Horton said after coming out of the Cubs’ 8-3 loss to the Rangers. ‘‘I couldn’t land a curveball, so guess what? He’s ready for the heater 3-2 because he knows those weren’t competitive.