There isn’t a lot to discuss regarding the Athletics’ 3-1 victory over the Cubs.
Almost everyone in the game seemed to be in a hurry, as it wrapped up in just one hour and 57 minutes. The Cubs played with a roster resembling that of a spring training finale, with a lineup consisting mostly of minor leaguers.
Ezequiel Pagan, who spent most of the previous year with South Bend, contributed the Cubs’ sole hit, a solo home run, in their 3-1 loss to the A’s. The Cubs utilized a bullpen strategy, employing eight relievers, each pitching one inning. Impressively, seven of these pitchers, including Mark Leiter Jr., Adbert Alzolay, and Julian Merryweather, combined for seven shutout innings, allowing only two hits and a walk while striking out 10.
This demonstrates the depth of the Cubs’ bullpen, with many of these relievers expected to play crucial roles throughout the season. The lone exception was Hector Neris, who struggled in his inning of work, surrendering two home runs to Nick Allen and Brent Rooker, resulting in all of the A’s scoring. Although Neris has occasionally struggled with home runs in his career, allowing only seven in 68⅓ innings last year, this performance may not be cause for alarm, especially considering the context of a spring training game in warm weather.
Apart from Pagan’s home run, the Cubs managed just one other baserunner, Alexander Canario, who drew a walk in the third inning but was promptly eliminated in a double play. Consequently, A’s pitchers faced only 29 Cubs batters, just two above the minimum.
Nevertheless, Cubs look forward to gaining victory on Thursday at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale against the Rockies.
You’ll have to anticipate what’s in store for the players tomorrow because Thursday’s game promises to be old-school.
