The Chicago Cubs earned a 8-6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Sloan Park on Wednesday in spring training action. Carson Kelly paced the offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. On the mound, Shota Imanaga turned in a solid outing, working 4.2 innings of 1-run ball with eight strikeouts. The Cubs finished with 14 hits on the day while holding the Angels to 7. It was an encouraging performance for the Cubs as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.

Key Performers

Carson Kelly was the key contributor at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. The long ball provided a major boost to the offensive attack. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Cubs offense.

Moisés Ballesteros chipped in, going 2-for-3 with two home runs and two RBI, Pedro Ramirez added to the attack, going 2-for-3 with an RBI, and Dansby Swanson provided support, going 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.

On the other side of the diamond, David Calabrese led the Angels offense with a 2-for-2 with a home run and three RBI day. Jo Adell also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. Jeimer Candelario added a 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Cubs pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.

On the Mound

Shota Imanaga earned the win after pitching effectively, working 4.2 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 1 hit with eight strikeouts. He threw 76 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.

The bullpen combined for 3.4 innings of work, allowing 5 earned runs while striking out three. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations. Tyler Beede recorded the save to close out the game.

How It Happened

The Cubs struck first, tallying three runs in the second inning. The Cubs added a run in the third. Angels responded with a run in the fifth. The Cubs countered with three runs in the fifth. Angels struck back with a run in the sixth. The Cubs answered with a run in the sixth. Angels responded with a run in the eighth. Angels pushed across three runs in the ninth. The Cubs spread their scoring across four different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. The Cubs out-hit Angels 14-7 on the day, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 15,055 was on hand to take in the action.

Looking Ahead

It was a productive day for the Cubs, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Cubs are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.