CI Recap – Cubs 15, Opponents 14: Bryant Comes Home, Longball Lightning Round, Aggregate Win
The Cubs played two games today, neither of which was at Sloan and neither of which counted. But, oh boy, the regular season is just around the corner.
In Las Vegas, the Cubs won 11-7 (box score) over the Cincinnati Reds. Every starter had at least one hit in the game, though some had more. Home runs from Chesny Young, Kris Bryant (video), Ian Happ (video) and Victor Caratini punctuated the win. The bombs from Young, Bryant and Happ all came in short succession in the 5th inning.
Here’s a look at Young’s oppo shot:
And here’s Caratini’s longball in the bottom of the 7th:
Kyle Hendricks was uncharacteristically wild, walking four batters, but he looked fine otherwise and allowed no runs to score.
Back in Scottsdale, the most notable occurrence in the Cubs 7-4 loss against the Colorado Rockies (box score) was Jason Heyward‘s second spring home run (video). Brett Anderson started the game and gave up at least one hit in each of his four innings pitched, with the Rockies finally breaking through for a run in the bottom of the 3rd inning.
Wade Davis entered the game in the bottom of the 5th and got knocked around pretty badly. He managed only one out before getting pulled after giving up four runs on two hits and two walks, plus a throwing error to first base. It was ugly and there’s not much to explain it except, well, you know…it’s Spring Training.
Stats that matter
- J. Baez went 2-for-3 while scoring a run and driving one in. That’s Jeffrey Baez, of course. Did you have someone else in mind?
- Wade Davis has had a rough spring but we’re hoping things come together once the games start to count: 0.1IP, 4 R, 2 H, 2 BB.
- Las Vegas was kind to the Cubs offense as they totaled 17 hits, including five for extra bases.
Bottom line
We’re one day closer to Opening Day. Oh, and did you see the Cubs spiffy gold duds? They’re pretty sick. This is what happens when you win the World Series, which the Cubs did.
On deck
The Cubs play split squad games again tomorrow. Eddie Butler will take the ball in Las Vegas at 3:05 PM CDT against the Reds, while Alec Mills will pitch at 3:05 PM CDT at Sloan Park against the Padres.