Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/20/22): Cubs 2, Dodgers 2 – Mills Starts First Tie of Spring

The Cubs did a little bit of sister-kissing Sunday afternoon as their contest with the Dodgers ended in a tie.

Alec Mills got his first start of the spring and had a very solid 1st inning with a very shaky 2nd inning. The likely fourth starter in the rotation struck out two and allowed just a single before ending the opening frame with a weak popout. Things weren’t as smooth after that, as he hit leadoff man Matt Beaty and then allowed a two-out, two-run single to James Outman.

The Cubs scored their runs after singles by Clint Frazier and Pete Crow-Armstrong were sandwiched around a P.J. Higgins pop out. Chase Strumpf singled Frazier home and then Crow-Armstrong was able to score one batter later after stealing third and coming home on a throw from the catcher that went into left field. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Tied

Mills struggled after starting off the game looking rather solid. Eric Stout struggled in his second inning of work after looking good to start his outing off.

The Cubs offense was largely silent outside of scoring two runs in the 6th inning and the Dodgers couldn’t push across a run after the 2nd inning.

Key Moment

Stout loaded the bases in the bottom of the 9th after allowing a hit and two walks, but he was able to keep the Dodgers off the scoreboard by striking out Andy Burns to end the game.

Stats That Matter

• Frank Schwindel is off to a nice start to the spring after getting a hit in his only at-bat today. He’s 2-for-3 with a double, a run scored, and an RBI so far.
• Despite struggling in the second inning, Mills still managed to strike out three batters in two innings of work.
• Cubs newcomer Frazier was 1-for-2 today with a walk and a run scored in his first action since Friday night. Like Schwindel, he’s off to a nice little start to the pre-season with a .667 average and an .833 OBP.

Bottom Line

Mills got hit around a bit in the 2nd and that would be a concern later in the spring or during the regular season, but it wasn’t a particularly bad outing for his first spring start.

On Deck

The Cubs will return to Sloan Park for a 3:05pm CT tilt with the Reds. They have not yet announced their starter for the contest.