CI Recap (2/28/17) – Angels 7, Cubs 5: Almora Makes Leaping Grab, Russell Goes Yard Again
The Cubs hosted the Angels at Sloan Park Tuesday afternoon in a game that started 30 minutes late after a rare rain delay in Mesa. Seriously, I didn’t even know they had tarps in Arizona.
As for the game itself, the Cubs started the newly acquired Alec Mills, who allowed three soft singles but nothing else in his two innings. Caleb Smith, the lefty reliever competing for a bullpen role, surrendered a solo home run to CJ Cron in the 3rd to give LA a 1-0 lead.
Albert Almora doubled and lined hard to third base, but this catch in center was his most memorable contribution.
Addison Russell blasted a three-run homer to center field in the next half inning to put Chicago ahead. Matt Szczur stayed hot, tripling home a run in the 4th. Catching prospect Taylor Davis then singled home Szczur to give the Cubs a 5-1 lead.
The wheels came off for the Cubs in the 6th inning. Hard-throwing righty Maikel Cleto wasn’t fooling anyone, allowing 4 runs in the inning to give the Angels a 6-5 lead.
Brian Duesing pitched two scoreless innings as he tries to secure the lefty specialist role. The Angels tacked on one more run and won 7-5.
Stats That Matter
- Jason Heyward went 0-for-3 with one warning track fly as he continues to work on his swing.
- Albert Almora had a very nice all-around game as he pushes for a bigger role this season.
- Eloy Jimenez and Ian Happ each singled after entering the game late.
Bottom Line
I was beating this drum last year, but I really feel like Addison Russell has big season in 2017.
On Deck
The Cubs travel to Surprise Wednesday to see old friends Jorge Soler, Jason Hammel, and Travis Wood, along with the rest of the Kansas City Royals. Another recently acquired pitcher, Eddie Butler, debuts for Chicago at 2:05 CST.
