Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/21/24): Cubs 5, Rockies 2 – Roederer Rocks Rox with Late Homer

The Cubs traveled to Salt River Fields to face the Rockies on Thursday afternoon. It was another slow start offensively for Chicago but the hitters from minor league camp rallied late to take the victory.

Drew Smyly, who will start the season in the bullpen, surrendered a two-run home run to Charlie Blackmon in the 3rd inning to give Colorado a 2-0 lead. Alexander Canario doubled home Christopher Morel in the 4th to cut the deficit in half.

The Cubs were able to tie the game on an RBI single by Liam Spence in the 8th inning. The big blow came in the 9th when Cole Roederer slugged a game-winning three-run homer and Chicago won by a score of 5-2. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The pitching kept them in the game long enough for a late rally to put them ahead.

Stats That Matter

• Yency Almonte started a game with a 1-2-3 inning as he fights for one of the final spots in the Cubs bullpen.
• Dansby Swanson has had a quiet spring hitting just .198, but he had a slow start last year as well.

Bottom Line

As more regular season roles are being determined, spring training games become even more insignificant than normal. The goal at this point is to get through these remaining contests healthy and get to the ones that count.

On Deck

The Cubs play the Giants twice in an unusual split squad Friday at 3:05pm CT. Javier Assad gets the start in Scottsdale and Justin Steele starts the game at Sloan Park, which will air on Marquee.