Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/2/22): Cubs 5, Angels 4 – Suzuki Hits Second HR, Byrd Hits Walk-Off
The Angels came to Sloan Park Saturday as spring training enters its final weekend. The Cubs got another big blast from their promising new outfielder in a team performance that seemed pretty flat until a dramatic final inning.
The Angels jumped ahead thanks to an error and an RBI groundout in the first two innings and took a 2-0 lead. Seiya Suzuki got his second hit and his second homer of the spring in the 4th inning, a two-run shot that tied the game at two.
Two hits, two homers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GVZwXLxrpX
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 2, 2022
Los Angeles went ahead with a two-run single in the top of the 8th and Chicago rallied in the bottom of the 9th, getting the first two runners on base. Grayson Byrd, a 24th round pick of the Cubs in 2019, stepped to the dish and launched a three-run game-winning home run to left-center. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
Byrd got a chance to play in the big league game and took advantage, good for him.
The @Cubs walk it off!
Grayson Byrd comes through 💪 pic.twitter.com/EqxFl7yIYr
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 2, 2022
Key Moment
Suzuki may only have two hits, but they have both been very impressive sky-scraping home runs. More of that, please.
Stats That Matter
- Former Orioles closer Mychal Givens made his first appearance of the spring and struck out the side in an inning of work.
- Frank Schwindel was perfect at the plate with two hits, one of which was a double, and a walk. He has looked good at the plate.
- Jason Heyward had an error Saturday after losing a ball in the sun. While spring training numbers don’t matter much, his .095 average and .364 OPS are still pretty ugly.
Bottom Line
The real games are less than a week away, so it’s getting to be crunch time when it comes to roster decisions. Will Heyward be cut? Will another outfielder be traded? One thing is certain, Suzuki will be playing every day and that is a good thing.
On Deck
The Cubs head to Goodyear Sunday night to battle the Cleveland Guardians at 8:05pm CT. Justin Steele takes the bump for Chicago in a game available on Marquee.
