Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/14/22): Cubs 5, Rockies 2 – Schwindel Homer Leads Cubs to Win
Sometimes the game of baseball is just weird. Tonight was one of those nights. Like Jonathan Villar entering the game 8-for-9 against Kyle Freeland. He then got hits in each of his first two at-bats against Freeland.
Despite what felt like an off night for both teams, the Cubs were able to outlast a Rockies team that entered the night with a record of 4-1. Justin Steele had another very solid night on the mound, even though he only managed to last 4.1 innings.
Ethan Roberts entered for Steele, allowing a base hit and walking two in just a third of an inning before being lifted for Keegan Thompson, who managed to close out the 5th and end the Rockies’ comeback threat.
In the top of the 6th, Frank Schwindel led off the inning with a solo home run (his first of the season). That was followed by a double from Yan Gomes, and then a single by Ian Happ two batters later to drive in the Cubs’ fifth run of the night.
Mychal Givens came on in the 9th to record his first save of the season and earn the Cubs their fourth win this year. (Box Score)
Why the Cubs Won
The Cubs got key contributions from Frank Schwindel, who started the season slowly, and Nick Madrigal who had two singles and scored a run. Steele had another solid start and the bullpen was, once again, very good.
Key Moment
The Rockies had two runners on with no outs in the bottom of the 5th. Kris Bryant lined hard into left field and the runner on second, Yonathan Daza, was thrown out attempting to advance to third. A double by C.J. Cron scored a run, making it 3-1 Cubs. After walking two batters, Roberts was pulled for Keeghan Thompson, who was able to get a fly-out with the bases loaded.
Stats That Matter
- Madrigal went 2-for-4 on the night with a couple of solid shots. He badly needed a night like this after struggling out of the gate.
- Gomes had another 2-for-4 night with a double and a run scored. So far he’s been a very good bat at the backup catcher position.
- Patrick Wisdom went 0-for-4 on the night with two strikeouts. His early-season slump continues as he’s now hitting just .050 with a whopping 11 strikeouts in 21 PAs.
- Mychal Givens got his first save as a Cub, pitching a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit, and striking out two.
Bottom Line
The Cubs had some mental gaffes tonight but they were able to score enough against a Rockies team that came in pretty hot after its first two series of the season.
On Deck
The Cubs will have another 7:40pm CT start against the Rockies as Marcus Stroman will get his second start of the season going up against German Marquez in Denver.
