Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/22/22): Cubs 5, Mariners 5 – Caissie Impressive at Bat in Tie
Kyle Hendricks got his second start of the spring as the Cubs headed to Peoria Tuesday afternoon to play the Mariners, but it was outfield prospect Owen Caissie who stole the show. Hendricks struggled in his first inning of work, allowing a pair of runs before settling in. The Cubs rallied back when second baseman Ildemaro Vargas hit a two-run homer in the top of the 2nd to tie the score.
Vargas ties the game! 💪🏼
(📸: @WatchMarquee) pic.twitter.com/NdeuTmSKun
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) March 22, 2022
Caissie put the Cubs ahead in the top of the 5th with a ringing double to right field, then singled as part of a rally in the 7th inning that tacked on two more runs.
That 5-2 lead was not enough, however, and the Mariners battled back against the Cubs’ minor-league arms to deadlock the game at five. That’s where things ended in the nine-inning tie. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Tied
Games can get a little squirrely in these spring games once the lineups turn over for the second or third time and the Cubs faltered at the end.
Key Moment
Caissie was one of the pieces in the Yu Darvish trade and more swings like this will further numb the sting from that deal.
Owen Caissie rips an RBI-double to right center #Cubs pic.twitter.com/RiWXMFI12E
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 22, 2022
Stats That Matter
- Hendricks gave up some hard contact, but it’s tough to gauge at this point: 2 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 K, and 0 BB.
- Vargas had a pair of hits as he fights for playing time.
- Alfonso Rivas picked up a pair of walks as he continues a solid start to his spring.
Bottom Line
With a shortened spring training, young players are going to have less opportunity to stand out. So games like the one Caissie had today will be very important.
On Deck
The Athletics head to Sloan Park on Wednesday to take on the Cubs at 3:05pm CT as Marcus Stroman makes his second start of the spring in a game available on Marquee.