Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/3/23): Cubs 4, Padres 0 – 7 Pitchers Combine for No-Hitter
The Cubs traveled to Peoria on Friday night to take on the Padres in one of the quickest games you could hope to see. Chicago got outstanding efforts from several important members of their staff as seven pitchers combined for a no-hitter.
Justin Steele made his spring debut and was hyper-efficient, recording six outs on just 18 pitches. Edwin Ríos displayed his prodigious power, launching a long solo home run to right in the 4th inning. Yan Gomes added a sacrifice fly in the 6th to put the Cubs up 2-0.
Steele was followed by a bevy of impressive young arms. Javier Assad, Adbert Alzolay, Jeremiah Estrada, and Cam Sanders all kept San Diego hitless through the 8th. Nick Burdi finished off the no-no in the 9th and the Cubs won 4-0. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
Not allowing any hits is usually a good strategy for winning baseball games.
Stats That Matter
- Steele was so good he had to throw 25 more pitches in the bullpen to keep building up.
- David Bote stayed red-hot with two hits, including a triple.
- Brad Boxberger tossed a clean frame as well.
- Dansby Swanson singled for his first hit of the spring.
- Trey Mancini had a couple knocks while playing right field.
Bottom Line
A no-hitter is always fun, even if it is an exhibition. More importantly, the Cubs rolled out a whole slate of talented arms that will have a big impact over the next few seasons.
On Deck
The Cubs welcome the Angels to Sloan Park Saturday at 2:05pm CT. Jameson Taillon is on the mound in a contest airing on Marquee.