Cubs Face Setbacks in Sizzling Arizona Heat
In a sweltering Arizona setting, where temperatures matched the all-time March high of 105 degrees, the Cubs faced a tough day on the diamond. The heat led to a schedule shift, moving the game at Sloan Park from afternoon to evening. Despite the adjustment, the Cubs struggled, dropping both of their split-squad matchups: 8-6 to the Reds and 6-2 to the Athletics.
Pitching Woes and Injuries
In Mesa, Matthew Boyd had a promising start with a four-pitch first inning but faltered in the second. Sal Stewart initiated the trouble with a double, and after a strikeout, Spencer Steer’s hit to center caused chaos.
A throwing error by Pete Crow-Armstrong allowed Stewart to score, initially marking an unearned run until Tyler Stephenson launched a homer. Boyd's struggles continued into the third, surrendering another homer to Matt McLain.
Though relieved mid-inning, Boyd returned only to give up a third homer to Steer.
The Cubs’ bats were quiet until Jefferson Rojas broke the silence with a homer in the fifth, followed by another from James Triantos in the eighth.
Amidst the pitching troubles, there was a silver lining as relievers Hoby Milner, Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, and Caleb Thielbar delivered four scoreless innings, collectively allowing five hits with no walks and four strikeouts-a promising sign for the bullpen’s future.
Challenges at Hohokam Stadium
Over at Hohokam Stadium, Jameson Taillon showed strength with four scoreless innings before fatigue set in during the fifth. He allowed a couple of homers and three runs but managed to rack up six strikeouts.
The plan to pair Taillon with Javier Assad fell through when Assad exited in the eighth with what appeared to be a blister. The hope is for a swift recovery.
Miguel Amaya provided the Cubs’ offensive highlights in this game with two solo homers, showcasing his power potential.
Attendance and Looking Ahead
The Sloan Park crowd numbered 11,878, pushing the season total to 188,552 over 15 dates, averaging 12,570 per game. As the Cubs gear up for another doubleheader, Colin Rea is set to start against the Mariners in Peoria. Meanwhile, Cubs prospects will take on Padres prospects in the Spring Breakout game at Sloan Park.
Fans can catch both games on TV and radio, with Mariners TV/Marquee and WSCR The Score covering the MLB matchup, and Marquee Sports Network/Padres TV and KWFN 97.3 broadcasting the prospects’ showdown.
The Cubs are navigating a challenging stretch, but with key players showing promise, there’s optimism for a turnaround as the season progresses.