The Chicago Cubs dropped a 4-3 decision to the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Saturday in spring training play. Despite Kevin Alcántara's 2-for-3 with an RBI effort at the plate, the Cubs could not pull even when it mattered. On the mound, Ben Brown turned in a solid outing, working 4.0 innings of 1-run ball with six strikeouts. The Rockies out-hit the Cubs 9-8 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.

Key Performers

Kevin Alcántara was the standout at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. His steady bat was exactly what the lineup needed. Performances like this give the Cubs confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.

Jonathon Long added to the attack, going 1-for-3 with an RBI, Nico Hoerner provided support, going 1-for-3, and Dylan Carlson also contributed, going 1-for-3. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.

On the other side of the diamond, Braxton Fulford led the Rockies offense with a 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI day. Kyle Karros also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Nicky Lopez added a 2-for-3 with a double effort as well. The Rockies offense proved to be too much for the Cubs pitching staff to contain on this particular day.

On the Mound

Ben Brown got the start, delivering a strong performance, working 4.0 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 2 hits with six strikeouts. He threw 51 pitches in the outing. It was exactly the kind of outing the Cubs need from their pitching staff heading into the regular season.

The bullpen combined for 4.1 innings of work, allowing 2 earned runs while striking out three. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions.

How It Happened

Rockies got on the board first with a run in the first inning. The Cubs responded with two runs in the fifth. The Cubs pushed across a run in the sixth. Rockies struck back with a run in the sixth. Rockies added two runs in the ninth. The Rockies were able to score in three separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Rockies out-hit the Cubs 9-8, with 3 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 11,104 was on hand to take in the action.

Looking Ahead

It was not the outcome the Cubs were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.