Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (2/24/24): Cubs 8, Giants 4 – Cubs Build Another Snowman in Win

The Cubs played their first road game of the spring in Scottsdale against the Giants Saturday afternoon. For the second consecutive game, Chicago took a big lead and won easily with an eight-run tally.

The hero Saturday was Brennen Davis, the once highly touted outfield prospect who has struggled mightily with injuries last two seasons. Davis plated a pair with a single to left in the top of the 2nd inning and the Cubs never looked back.

Drew Smyly pitched around a couple of walks to put up two clean frames in his start. Patrick Wisdom doubled home Mike Tauchman in the 3rd to make it 3-0. Reliever Ben Brown had some traffic on the bases but did not allow any runs in two innings of work.

Davis continued his big day with a solo home run in the 4th inning to put the Cubs ahead 4-0. Exciting youngster Kevin Alcántara knocked in another run with a single in the 6th.

Have a day @BrennenDavis__! pic.twitter.com/IJER8vs44v

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) February 24, 2024

Home runs from David Bote and Chase Strumpf built the lead to 8-0 by the final inning. The Giants were able to score four runs in their final at-bat but the Cubs still took the win 8-4. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

If they want to keep scoring eight runs every game in the regular season, that would be great.

Stats That Matter

• Davis has plenty of talent, it’s just the injuries that have held him back. If he can stay healthy he could have an impact this season for sure.
• Smyly is likely headed to the bullpen instead of the starting rotation this season, but he can make it a tough decision if he pitches well in spring training.
• Tauchman got on base two times in his spring debut and he will still probably have a pretty big role this season.

Bottom Line

The Cubs certainly have a lot of intriguing options in the minors right now. The odds are pretty good that at least some of these players will have a breakout season in 2024, which will help the big league club even if it’s only to help facilitate a trade at the deadline.

On Deck

The Cubs are back at Sloan Park on Sunday to face the Padres at 2:05pm CT. Javier Assad makes the start and Marquee has the TV broadcast.