Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/14/23): Rockies 5, Cubs 2 – Colorado Steeles Win
The Cubs welcomed the Colorado Rockies to Sloan Park on Tuesday for a rare spring night game, their first of two in row. Chicago did not do much on offense and went on to drop the game after falling behind quickly.
The Rockies touched up Cubs starter Justin Steele for a pair of home runs in the early innings. Elehuris Montero hit a solo shot in the 2nd inning and Ryan McMahon added a two-run homer in the 3rd. Colorado added a fourth run on a sacrifice fly in the 6th before the Cubs finally answered back in the bottom half of the inning.
After striking out in his first two at-bats, his only two Ks of the spring to that point, Nico Hoerner took Peter Lambert deep for his first jack of the spring to make it 4-1.
No doubter from Nico 💥 pic.twitter.com/Kaqm7CfaS7
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 15, 2023
A bases-loaded walk to Mike Tauchman got Chicago another tally in the bottom of the 8th but the Rox got it right back in the 9th and sealed the win. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost
The bats were very quiet Tuesday night and the Rockies jumped on two of Steele’s mistakes.
Stats That Matter
- Steele had some traffic on the bases, though he had the strikeout pitch working: 2.2 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 4 K, 1 BB.
- Dansby Swanson continues to save his hits for the regular season.
- Adbert Alzolay had three strikeouts in just over an inning of work Tuesday.
Bottom Line
The important news for the Cubs in this game is Steele looks healthy and ready for the season. Chicago’s offense should be better in 2023 but it’s still going to be subject to cold stretches similar to those seen in 2022.
On Deck
The Cubs head to Goodyear to face the Reds for a second night game in a row at 8:05pm CT Wednesday. Caleb Kilian goes for Chicago with Marquee providing the usual TV coverage.
