Postgame Wrap: Cubs 9, Mariners 12; Cactus League Bee Swarm, Fowler Injury

I can now count on one finger the number of games I’ve seen where a bee swarm caused a delay. The Cubs outfielders, particularly Jason Heyward (see video below), and the bullpen were literally running from the bees. I’d like to think the bees were the reason the Cubs allowed twelve runs in this one, but that was more a bi-product of a tough outing by Hammel. Here’s your score in a box and video of The Swarm.

Hammel’s day ended after 4.1 innings and he allowed nine runs on eight hits, three walks and four strikeouts. He lacked control on most of his pitches and when he missed, which was often, he missed up in the zone which allowed the batters to drive the ball hard against him. I don’t think there’s a need to over analyze this one, it was just a bad day for Jason.

Trever Cahill came in and matched Hammel’s intensity; that is, he lacked control as well. He went three innings giving up three runs on four hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Adam Warren also made it to the mound today and pitched much better than he has lately, going one inning with no hits and two strikeouts.

The Cubs offense managed to get things going after a slow start (at least it was slow when compared to the Mariners’ start). They put up a total of nine runs today with five coming in the bottom of the third inning. Russell was 1 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs, Kris Bryant was 2 for 4 and an RBI, Jason Heyward finished 1 for 4, with a home run and two RBIs, Fowler, Rizzo and Zobrist each had one hit a piece.

Dexter Fowler left the game after the first inning due to reported tightness in his left side. It was reported as mild and the Cubs said he was removed as a precaution. We’ll update you once we get more information on his status.

The Cubs travel to Diablo Stadium tomorrow where Kyle Hendricks will take on the Anaheim Angels at 3:10 CDT.