Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/8/20, LV SS): Reds 11, Cubs 9 – Cubs Crap Out Over Weekend in Vegas

The Cubs played the second of their two games in Las Vegas against the Reds on Sunday, but they couldn’t hold a late lead. Chicago didn’t have their best pitchers on the mound and it showed as the Cincinnati was able to slug its way to a five-run rally in the 7th to win.

Cincy pulled out to a quick lead with a four spot against starter Colin Rea in the 1st inning. The Cubs were able to tie the score with a three-run 2nd inning that featured a Noel Cuevas homer and a run-scoring double from Anthony Rizzo.

Chicago took the lead on a two-run single by the red-hot Ian Miller in the 3rd inning, then Josh Phegley went deep in the 4th to build the edge to 8-4. The Reds put on a surge at that point, scoring the next seven runs to earn the win. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

A series of pitchers who are unlikely to make the Cubs roster got lit up, just part of the perils of spring training baseball.

Key Moment

TJ Friedl hit a three-run double against Jake Stinnett in the 7th inning to give the Reds an 11-8 lead.

Stats That Matter

• Rizzo had two doubles in two plate appearances in a very efficient day.
• Miller had two hits and another stolen base as he keeps pushing for the final roster spot.
• Phegley, another candidate for the 26th man, had an RBI single to go along with his homer.

Bottom Line

The Cubs have some players making strong pushes for roster spots. Depth is an issue for every baseball team, so having too many options is a problem David Ross would love to have.

On Deck

After a day off on Monday, the Cubs head to Scottsdale to play the Giants Tuesday at 3:05 CT. Tyler Chatwood takes the hill in a game broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and MLB Network (out-of-market only).