Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/21/22): Cubs 3, Reds 2 – Keegan Thompson Looks Solid in First Start of Spring

The Cubs rallied late to beat the Reds on Monday afternoon, but it was the outing by Keegan Thompson and the early exit of Brennen Davis that drew the most attention.

Thompson is thought to be competing for one of the spots in the Cubs rotation after starting six games toward the end of the year last year. While it’s still far too early in the spring to know where he stands, he looked dominant over his two innings and certainly didn’t take himself out of the running.

The biggest news of the day came when Davis was hit on the knee by a 96 mph pitch from Reds starter Graham Ashcraft, who also hit Michael Hermosillo the batter before. Davis was in obvious pain and tried to stay in the game, but was eventually lifted for a pinch hitter after trying to run the bases.

Brennen Davis staying in after this HBP to his right knee. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/eWqx59XZKz

— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 21, 2022

The apparent good news is that the Cubs don’t believe it’s any more serious than a knee contusion and the young outfielder is officially considered “day-to-day.” (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The Cubs were largely kept quiet but did manage one run on a bases-loaded groundout by Sergio Alcantara that almost found its way into the outfield. Down 2-1 in the bottom of the 8th, John Hicks hit a ground-rule double to tie it. Then the Cubs scored the eventual winning run on a bases-loaded wild pitch.

Key Moment

The Davis HBP is going to have fans and members of the club nervous until he shows there are no ill effects.

Stats That Matter

• Donnie Dewees had himself a game, going 2-for-2 with a triple, a single, and a run scored.
• Thompson pitched the first two innings of the game, allowing two hits, no runs and striking out three.
• Eric Yardley pitched two innings in relief and was dominant, striking out four batters.
• 2017 4th round pick Erich Uelmen saw his first career spring action with the big club and while he allowed a hit, he also struck out the side and got the save.

Bottom Line

Thompson’s outing was encouraging and Yardley’s was was a nice bounceback from a rough first appearance of the spring but Davis is going to be the guy that people keep their eyes on for the next few days.

On Deck

The Cubs will travel to Peoria Stadium for a 3:10pm CT contest with the Mariners. Kyle Hendricks is slated to make his second start of the spring as he faces off against Robbie Ray, who is getting his first start of the preseason.