Chicago Cubs Scores and Recaps (2/27/23): Guardians 12, Cubs (SS) 4; Diamondbacks 3, Cubs (SS) 0 – Cubs Drop Both Split-Squad Games
The Cubs doubled up on Monday with split-squad action against Cleveland at Sloan Park and Arizona at Salt River Fields. The two games had much different flows, but the result was the same as Chicago dropped both.
Jameson Taillon made his Cubs debut at Sloan Park and spun some nasty breaking balls for strikes. He got touched up in the 2nd inning on a Roman Quinn home run that was definitely aided by the thin Arizona air, then Ian Happ cracked a two-run double in the 3rd to put the home team ahead 3-2.
Rowan Wick carried his struggles from 2022 over into his first appearance of the spring. The slimmed-down Canadian walked three batters and Cleveland scored six to blow the game open. The Guardians would cruise to a 12-4 victory. (Box score)
Caleb Kilian got the start against the Diamondbacks and looked outstanding, striking out three batters in two perfect innings and touching 97 mph on the radar gun. Neither team could scratch the scoreboard until Arizona’s Emmanuel Rivera hit a three-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the 9th. (Box score)
- David Bote continues to look locked in early with a single and a walk on Monday.
- Brad Boxberger and Michael Fulmer each threw scoreless innings in Mesa.
- Mike Tauchman had three hits Monday as he tries to earn a roster spot.
- Dansby Swanson drew a walk in two plate appearances.
Bottom Line
If Kilian can look this good all season, it will be a big boost to the Cubs. Pretty much everyone on the roster has seen some action now.
On Deck
The Cubs head to Phoenix to take on the division rival Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday at 2:05pm CT. Drew Smyly takes the mound in a game available on Marquee.
