Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (2/23/24): Cubs 8, White Sox 1 – Cubs Hot, Uniforms Not as Spring Training Begins with Blowout

The Chicago Cubs played their first game of spring training against the crosstown White Sox at Sloan Park Friday afternoon. They got off to a terrific start in the opening inning and cruised to victory.

The Cubs jumped on veteran reliever Jesse Chavez in the bottom of the 1st beginning with a two-run home run from third baseman Christopher Morel. Journeyman catcher Joe Hudson doubled with the bases loaded to knock in three more.

Play ball! pic.twitter.com/McQ2QS5IBZ

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 23, 2024

First-round pick Matt Shaw capped off the six-run frame with an RBI double of his own for the first of his two hits on the afternoon. Jordan Wicks got the start and allowed a solo homer in 1.2 innings of work.

Hudson had an infield single in the 5th inning that ended up scoring two when Pete Crow-Armstrong came all the way home from second base. Caleb Kilian was very sharp, with his velo hitting 99 mph in a pair of perfect frames.

The rest of the game went smoothly and Chicago rolled 8-1. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

Scoring six runs in the opening inning is a winning strategy no matter what time of year it is. They never looked back from there.

Stats That Matter

• Morel looked pretty good fielding his opportunities at third base and the bat is obviously not a problem.
• PCA also had a hustle double and showed just how big a weapon his speed could be.
• Shaw hit the ball hard all day long and it’s possible he could be playing at Wrigley Field this season.

Bottom Line

Isn’t it nice to have baseball back? Friday’s game shows just how much talent is in the Cubs’ farm system. Almost every replacement player is a legitimate prospect who could have an impact very soon. With one more acquisition (cough…Cody Bellinger) or two, this could be a very good team this year.

On Deck

The Cubs head to Scottsdale for their first road game of the spring against the Giants at 2:05pm CT on Saturday. Veteran lefty Drew Smyly gets the start in a game available on Marquee.