Chicago Cubs Scores and Recaps (3/22/24): Giants 7, Cubs 3; Giants 13, Cubs 12 – Steele Injury Scare Overshadows Split Squad Action

The Cubs played an unusual split squad the Giants on Friday afternoon, facing San Francisco at Sloan Park and in Scottsdale. Chicago would go on to lose both games but appeared to dodge a major injury to ace Justin Steele, who was forced to leave after being hit in the knee by a ground ball.

Steele was hit by a Luis Matos comebacker in the top of the 2nd and went down in a heap. It was a frightening scene for Cubs fans as he slowly walked off the field. Thankfully, a source close to Justin reported that he is fine even if his bracket is busted.

I’m okay.. my bracket is not

— Justin Steele (@J_Steele21) March 22, 2024

Hayden Wesneski took over in the 3rd inning and the Giants rallied for four runs. Michael Busch had an RBI single in the 4th before San Francisco added three more tallies against lefty Luke Little in the following frame.

The Cubs would eventually lose this contest by a final of 7-3. (Box score)

In Scottsdale, Chicago exploded in the 1st inning against Giants Opening Day starter Logan Webb. The Cubs would score nine runs in the frame with the big blow coming on a grand slam off the bat of Seiya Suzuki.

Javier Assad got the start and dealt with a lot of baserunners, some of them due to errors, and gave up five runs in 3.2 innings. Chicago got solo homers from David Peralta and Matt Shaw in the 5th to go ahead 12-6.

The Giants then scored seven consecutive runs and would walk the game off 13-12 on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt at second base in the bottom of the 9th. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

The pitching staff combined to give up 20 runs in the two games Friday. The 15 runs the offense put up were not enough to match that.

Stats That Matter

• Peralta had four hits and might just find his way onto the roster.
• Dansby Swanson had two knocks and a walk Friday after a mostly slow spring.
• Cody Bellinger singled and walked playing while first base.

Bottom Line

The only thing that matters with the games on Friday was the injury scare with Steele. Having one of your key pieces hurt is by far the biggest fear during spring training. The early reports sound promising and hopefully he will be good to go next week. The regular season cannot start soon enough.

On Deck

The Cubs welcome the Brewers to Sloan Park Saturday at 3:05pm CT. Ben Brown gets the start and Marquee provides television coverage.