CI Recap – Cubs 5, Rangers 1: Darvish Continues Strong Spring, Bryant Homers
The Cubs scored five runs early and Yu Darvish pitched great today. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
Darvish looked phenomenal in his next-to-last start before the season begins. He went six innings, allowing only three hits (one a solo home run) while striking out seven and walking none. It was a masterful performance, one Cubs fans would love to see every time he takes the bump in the regular season.
Yu Darvish today:
6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
He's ready. pic.twitter.com/YCf6cAIc08
— Cubs Insider (@realcubsinsider) March 21, 2018
Key Moment
Kris Bryant finally went yard today, smashing a three-run bomb off of Matt Moore in the second inning. It was a thing of beauty. Sadly, Evan’s prediction of two bombs did not come to fruition, though it would have been nice to witness.
Stats that (Don’t) Matter
- Kyle Schwarber reached base twice and drove in two runs, one of which came courtesy of a home run.
- The Cubs roughed up Rangers starter Matt Moore. They collected eight hits, scored five runs, and walked twice while only striking out once against the big lefty.
- After Juan Centeno hit a solo shot in the bottom of the 3rd, Cubs pitchers recorded 21 straight outs.
Bottom Line
The Cubs look like they’re ready for the season to begin
On Deck
Jose Quintana and the Cubs head to Scottsdale Stadium to face Chris Stratton and the San Francisco Giants. The game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Bay Area, but if you don’t get that channel you can listen to Pat and Ron on 670 The Score. First pitch will be at 9:05 CT.
