The Chicago Cubs dropped a 14-8 decision to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sloan Park on Sunday in spring training play. Despite Devin Ortiz's 1-for-2 with a home run and four RBI effort at the plate, the Cubs could not overcome a sizable deficit. Jameson Taillon worked 3.1 innings on the mound, allowing 10 earned runs on 8 hits. The Dodgers out-hit the Cubs 12-8 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
Devin Ortiz was the offensive highlight at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a home run and four RBI. His ability to drive the ball out of the park was the highlight of the afternoon. Performances like this give the Cubs confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Nico Hoerner also contributed, going 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBI, Owen Miller chipped in, going 1-for-1 with a double and an RBI, and Christian Bethancourt added to the attack, 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, Jack Suwinski led the Dodgers offense with a 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI day. Mookie Betts also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. Zach Ehrhard added a 1-for-3 with a triple and two RBI effort as well. The Dodgers offense proved to be too much for the Cubs pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Jameson Taillon took the loss after struggling with his command, working 3.1 innings while allowing 10 earned runs on 8 hits with two strikeouts. He threw 70 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 4.5 innings of work, allowing 4 earned runs while striking out five. 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.
Among the relievers, Corbin Martin stood out with 0.2 innings of 4-run work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Dodgers got on the board first with four runs in the first inning. Dodgers plated a run in the second. Dodgers added four runs in the third. The Cubs responded with two runs in the third. Dodgers countered with a run in the fourth. The Cubs struck back with a run in the seventh. Dodgers answered with four runs in the ninth. The Cubs responded with five runs in the ninth. The Dodgers were able to score in five separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Dodgers out-hit the Cubs 12-8, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 13,888 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.
