CI Recap – Cubs 3, Indians 4: Willson Contreras Hammers Two Home Runs, Lester Regroups

I caught my mind wandering during the game tonight, visions of opening night dancing in my head. It was a welcome lapse into the anticipation of what will be in less than one week. The Cubs played the Indians for the last time this spring and perhaps this year, conjuring up images of last November.

Could it be a preview? We’ll just have wait to see about that.

Jon Lester threw six innings, most of which was good and some of which was very good. The 2nd inning saw him just fail to hit his spots, though, and he gave up four of his five hits, along with three runs. Outside of that, Lester was as good as he’s looked so far this spring, striking out five batters.

Hector Rondon, Wade Davis — who faced just one batter — and Pedro Strop all looked solid closing it out. But the Cubs still lost (box score).

It was all about Willson Contreras on offense. He did his best imitation of Albert Almora, who hit two home runs yesterday and is primed to have a better offensive season than most expect. Monday’s homers were Contreras’s fourth and fifth of the spring, tying him with Ian Happ and Addison Russell for the team lead.

Stats that matter

• Lester was able to regroup nicely after a rough second inning: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 5 K’s, HR allowed
• Contreras made it look easy tonight with homers to both sides of the outfield
• Almora just likes to prove us right: 2-for-4, R, 2B

Bottom line

The boys are looking like they’re locked and ready for the season to start. Now that the young guns have started to swing the lumber, it may again be a long season for teams named after birds, scoundrels, colors and beermakers.

On deck

The Cubs will take on the Giants tomorrow afternoon at 3:05 PM CDT with Jake Arrieta on the hill.