Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/22/23): Cubs 4, A’s 2 – Homers Power Victory at Hohokam

The Cubs made the short trip to their old stomping grounds, Hohokam Stadium, to take on the Oakland A’s on Wednesday afternoon. Chicago used three home runs to come out ahead and win the game.

Cody Bellinger continued his recent power surge with a solo homer in the top of the 1st inning, and he is starting to look like someone who could really bounce back this season. Jesus Aguilar tied the game with his own solo shot off of Rowan Wick in the 4th as the Cubs worked a bullpen game following Tuesday’s rain-shortened affair.

Edwin Ríos put the Cubs ahead for good with a two-run dinger in the top of the 6th, his fourth since ditching the bigger leg kick he had adopted over the winter. The A’s then cut the lead to one in the 7th before Christopher Morel blasted a homer in the following frame for the final tally of the day. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

They tapped into their power to generate offense and got a series of good outings from relievers in a bullpen game.

Stats That Matter

• Adbert Alzolay got the “start” and tossed a clean inning.
• Bellinger also drew two walks and looks locked in at the plate.
• Morel has hit a homer in each of his last two games.
• Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger have yet to give up a run this spring.

Bottom Line

To add to his recent offensive performance, Bellinger displayed his excellent defense by running down a fly ball in center field. The former MVP could be a huge X-factor for the Cubs this season if he keeps this up.

On Deck

The Arizona Diamondbacks come to Sloan Park on Thursday at 3:05pm CT and Hayden Wesneski gets the start as he tries to lock down a rotation spot. You can catch it all on Marquee.