Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/7/24): Cubs 2, Reds 2 – Busch Hits Long One in Tie
The Cubs traveled to Goodyear to battle Reds on Thursday night and there were fireworks in the 1st inning. After that opening frame, neither team did much of anything and the contest would eventually end in a tie.
Michael Busch provided the Cubs’ only offense with an absolute bomb of a two-run homer to center off of fireballer Hunter Greene just three batters into the game. Hayden Wesneski got the start for Chicago and was good other than allowing a solo shot from Spencer Steer in the bottom of the frame.
First HR in a Cubs uniform for Michael Busch! pic.twitter.com/BkeivLJ4IP
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 8, 2024
The Reds were able to even the score on an RBI groundout in the bottom of the 4th inning. Neither side could generate much after that and the game ended in a 2-2 draw. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Tied
They had just a single hit after the opening inning, making it very hard to generate any runs.
Stats That Matter
- Wesneski had four strikeouts and on some nasty pitches but home runs remain a concern for him.
- Alexander Canario doubled and walked and was the only Cubs player to reach base twice Thursday.
Bottom Line
Busch demonstrated the tremendous power that made him so intriguing to Jed Hoyer in this game. Continuing that in the regular season will make the Cubs lineup much better.
On Deck
The Cubs have split-squad action for the first time this spring as Shōta Imanaga pitches at Sloan Park against the Mariners and Kyle Hendricks takes the mound against the Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields. Marquee will have television coverage of the game against Seattle, which starts at 2:05pm CT. The other affair opens five minutes later.