The Chicago Cubs dropped a 9-5 decision to the San Francisco Giants at Sloan Park on Sunday in spring training play. Despite Moisés Ballesteros's 1-for-3 with three RBI effort at the plate, the Cubs could not overcome a sizable deficit. Caleb Thielbar worked 1.0 innings on the mound, allowing 0 earned runs on 0 hits. The Giants out-hit the Cubs 13-7 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

Moisés Ballesteros was the top performer at the plate, going 1-for-3 with three RBI. His steady bat was exactly what the lineup needed. Performances like this give the Cubs confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.

Dansby Swanson provided support, going 2-for-2 with a double, a triple, and an RBI, Michael Conforto also contributed, going 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Michael Busch chipped in, 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, Buddy Kennedy led the Giants offense with a 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI day. Parks Harber also contributed, going 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI. Jesus Rodriguez added a 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI effort as well. The Giants offense proved to be too much for the Cubs pitching staff to contain on this particular day.

On the Mound

Caleb Thielbar got the start, struggling with his command, working 1.0 innings while allowing 0 earned runs on 0 hits with one strikeout. He threw 12 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Cubs evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.

The bullpen combined for 6.6 innings of work, allowing 9 earned runs while striking out six. 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

The Cubs struck first, scoring a run in the first inning. The Cubs pushed across a run in the fourth. Giants struck back with two runs in the fifth. The Cubs answered with three runs in the fifth. Giants responded with four runs in the sixth. Giants pushed across three runs in the eighth. The Giants were able to score in three separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Giants out-hit the Cubs 13-7, with both teams playing clean defense. A crowd of 15,033 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.