Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/2/20, Late SS): Athletics 5, Cubs 2 – Mills Impressive in Split-Squad Loss

The main starters for the Chicago Cubs beat the Anaheim Angels in the first split-squad affair on Monday afternoon. The rest of the Northsiders took on the A’s at Hohokam Stadium for the nightcap. It was a fairly uneventful game for the road team, but Alec Mills notched another quality start.

Mills kept the A’s off the board for three strong innings. The Cubs got some runners on base early but, unfortunately, the big hit eluded them. Oakland scratched across a pair of runs in the 6th to break the scoreless tie and give the home team a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

Chicago stranded a total of seven runners over the first four innings of the game. Failing to cash in on those chances proved costly late.

Key Moment

Franklin Barreto tripled off of James Norwood in the 6th inning and would score on a Logan Davidson sacrifice fly to go up 1-0.

Stats That Matter

  • Mills has not allowed a run this spring: 3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 3 K, and 1 BB.
  • Albert Almora Jr. had another hit as his strong spring continues.
  • Daniel Descalso had three strikeouts and has not had a good camp so far.
  • Jason Adam struck out the side in the 7th and continues to turn some heads.

Bottom Line

Alec Mills is definitely giving Tyler Chatwood a run for the fifth starter spot. At the very least, he’s making a great case to fill the swing-man role for 2020.

On Deck

The Cubs head to Salt River Fields to take on the Colorado Rockies Tuesday at 2:05 CT. Jose Quintana makes his spring debut in a game that airs on Marquee Sports Network.

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