Postgame Wrap: Cubs v Padres; The Hits Keep Coming – VIDEO
Talk about reversing your fortunes, the Cubs did just that beating the Padres 11-1 after losing yesterday to them 10-2. The offensive output was the big story today, with the Cubs belting out thirteen hits and exploding for five runs in the first inning. Games like this are so much fun to watch; never a worry, only joy. A lot happened today, so here are just a few highlights.
- Jeimer Candelario continues his hot-hitting Cactus League play going 2 for 4 with a double, a single, an RBI and scoring a run. I mentioned it in an article yesterday and will say it again, he’s going to make it very difficult to keep him in the minors the entire regular season. I won’t be surprised to see him make an appearance at the big-league level sometime this summer, either due to an injury or when the 40-man roster kicks in on September 1st. Here’s video of his RBI opposite-field double in the first inning:
- What can I say about Jason Heyward except he is who we thought he was. He’s such an exciting player to watch, both on offense and defense. He went 2 or 4 today with two doubles (not to be outdone by Jeimer), three RBIs and scored one run. Here’s video of his 3 RBI double in the third inning:
- John Andreoli made the most of his only at-bat with an inside-the-park home run that he drove high off the right field wall and just past the outstretched arm of the Padres right-fielder, as he hustled around the bases and slid, head first, into home. In a game full of exciting plays this one was definitely the highlight for me. And of course, here’s the highlight of that beauty:
- Pitching went pretty smooth today, with the Cubs rotating in six different guys. Starter Clayton Richard wasn’t very impressive but got the job done, going two innings while walking two and giving up one hit. Ryan Williams came on in relief in the third inning and went three innings, giving up four hits and striking out two batters. Spencer Patton came in for the ninth to close things out. It got a little interesting when Patton gave up two lead-off hits but he was able to get out of the jam with two consecutive strikeouts.