CI Recap – Cubs 6, Astros 8: Addison Russell Storms Back, Schwarber Shows Up Behind Plate

In what certainly was a sign of absolutely nothing, the Cubs dropped their penultimate meaningless game to the Houston Astros (box score). Cool things did happen though.

Addison Russell emerged from his short absence due to a sore back to show us all what “feeling 109 percent” is all about. It’s about going 2-for-3 with two runs, three RBI, a home run and an incredible back-handed defensive play. Mic. Drop.

There was Anthony Rizzo crushing a home run in the top of the 5th inning. The only thing I heard was a loud boom followed by a bright light. I looked at the scoreboard after to confirm that I was, indeed, still alive. You can see both Russell’s and Rizzo’s homers right here.

Kyle Schwarber picked up a couple hits and even got some time behind the plate late in the game. We won’t talk about how Hector Rondon looked while pitching to War Bear, but the part-time catcher did fire a seed to second to nail Marwin Gonzalez trying to steal in the 6th.

Schwarber or Contreras? Hmmm? #thelifeofacatcher #dailycatching pic.twitter.com/IZPCfaUTJR

— The Catching Guy (@TheCatchingGuy) March 31, 2017

War Bear nearly scored another highlight early in the game, playing a carom off the wall and spinning to fire a bullet to Javy Baez. Thing is, Javy wasn’t able to hold onto the ball. I know, right? The moral of the story is that Schwarber can handle himself in the field.

Passed ball, what passed ball? I don’t remember that.

Brett Anderson started and Brett Anderson finished. Well, he finished the 5th inning, giving up a bunch of hits and a couple longballs along the way. Like a good fan, I keep telling myself that this is just Spring Training. It’s just Spring Training. Breathe. And release.

Stats that matter

• The Cubs hit for the cycle as a team. Wait, is that a thing? Well I just made it one. And don’t look at me like that, it’s Spring Training for bloggers too.
• Hector Rondon couldn’t get one out but he did give up four runs on four hits. Wheeeeee, it’s Spring Training!!!

Bottom line

One more meaningless game and the Cubs get to start their defense of their World Series title. That, I can get into.

On Deck

One more in Houston tomorrow at 1:10 PM CDT. Kyle Hendricks will get the start for the Cubs.