Cubs 5, Rangers 1: Jordan Wicks and Drew Smyly both excel.
With one out in the fourth, Edwin Escobar replaced Smyly and played the remainder of the inning without any problems.
Wicks then assumed control and shut down the Rangers offense, giving up just two hits and one earned run (caused by a throwing error by minor leaguer Liam Spence). It was an extremely strong outing. Wicks struck out seven batters. When the regular season kicks off, Wicks has to be the overwhelming favorite to occupy the No. 5 place in the rotation.
In the first inning, Alexander Canario tripled with one out to start the Cubs’ scoring. Christopher Morel’s sacrifice fly allowed him to score.
Strumpf is a competent second baseman and hitter. He could likely start for a number of MLB teams, but the Cubs seem to be blocking him. Maybe they could exchange him for something else.
In the eighth inning, Matt Mervis and Canario’s RBI singles gave the Cubs two more runs:
Wicks threw the longest 4⅓ innings of relief any Cubs pitcher has this spring, and he looked extremely sharp, reminiscent of his start in his MLB debut on August 26 against the Pirates.
In the ninth, with a runner on base and one out, Cam Sanders replaced Wicks and forced a double-play ball to end the game.
Let’s enjoy it through Monday, the Cubs’ first off day of the spring, and close the complaint department door for today. They will host the Brewers on Tuesday night at Sloan Park as they start their Cactus League schedule. On Tuesday, Colin Rea, a former Cub, will start for Milwaukee, while Justin Steele will lead the Cubs. Tuesday’s game is scheduled at 8:05 p.m. CT, and Marquee Sports Network will provide TV coverage.
And be sure to visit BCB tomorrow—we’ll have a ton of content for the off-day.