The Chicago Cubs picked up a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark on Tuesday in spring training action. Scott Kingery paced the offense, going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. On the mound, Cade Horton turned in a solid outing, working 5.0 innings of 1-run ball with ten strikeouts. The Cubs finished with 9 hits on the day while holding the Guardians to 5. 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

Scott Kingery was the standout at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a home run and two 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.

Matt Shaw added to the attack, going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, Miguel Amaya provided support, going 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Kevin Alcántara also contributed, going 1-for-3 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, Juan Benjamin led the Guardians offense with a 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI day. Angel Martínez also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a triple. Austin Hedges added a 1-for-2 effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Cubs pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.

On the Mound

Cade Horton earned the win after pitching effectively, working 5.0 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 3 hits with ten strikeouts. He threw 72 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.

The bullpen combined for 4.0 innings of work, allowing 1 earned run while striking out four. 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. Colin Rea recorded the save to close out the game.

How It Happened

The Cubs struck first, plating a run in the first inning. Guardians responded with a run in the first. The Cubs countered with three runs in the second. The Cubs plated a run in the fifth. Guardians answered with a run in the ninth. The Cubs spread their scoring across three different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. The Cubs out-hit Guardians 9-5 on the day, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 8,008 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.