The Chicago Cubs picked up a 4-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Fields of Phoenix on Wednesday in spring training action. Jefferson Rojas paced the offense, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. Edward Cabrera worked 2.2 innings on the mound, allowing 0 earned runs on 2 hits. The Brewers out-hit the Cubs 7-6 on the day. The Cubs will take confidence from a well-rounded effort on both sides of the ball. Spring training is about building toward the regular season, and this was a step in the right direction.
Key Performers
Jefferson Rojas was the top performer at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. His power was on full display throughout the game. The Cubs will be hoping for more of the same as the spring continues.
James Triantos provided support, going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, Dylan Carlson also contributed, going 1-for-3, and Chas McCormick chipped in, going 1-for-3 with a double. Multiple contributors at the plate made life difficult for the opposing pitching staff.
On the other side of the diamond, Christian Yelich led the Brewers offense with a 2-for-2 with a home run and an RBI day. Gary Sánchez also contributed, going 1-for-3. David Hamilton added a 1-for-3 effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Cubs pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Edward Cabrera earned the win after running into trouble, working 2.2 innings while allowing 0 earned runs on 2 hits with two strikeouts. He threw 45 pitches in the outing. The coaching staff will review his performance as they continue mapping out the pitching plan for the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 6.1 innings of work, allowing 1 earned run while striking out ten. The Cubs continue to sort through their relief options as they build their Opening Day bullpen. Every inning pitched in the spring is an opportunity for pitchers to make their case for a spot on the roster when the games start counting. Connor Noland recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Jaxon Wiggins stood out with 2.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. It was an impressive showing that could factor into roster decisions.
How It Happened
The Cubs struck first, scoring a run in the second inning. The Cubs pushed across a run in the third. Brewers struck back with a run in the third. The Cubs answered with a run in the fourth. The Cubs tacked on a run in the sixth. The Cubs spread their scoring across four different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. Brewers out-hit the Cubs 7-6, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 5,742 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs will look to build on this positive performance as spring training winds down. With the regular season rapidly approaching, outings like this one provide confidence and continuity for a roster that is rounding into form. Every remaining exhibition game is another chance to sharpen the details before the games start counting for real.
