Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/18/21): Cubs 4, Indians 3 – There’s Something Familiar About That Score
It was only fitting that Jake Arrieta was on the mound for the Cubs as they beat the Indians 4-3 Thursday afternoon, which is a very familiar tally for some reason. The starter was one of the few regulars who made the trip to Goodyear, but the Cubs managed to eke out just enough offense to make his effort stand up.
David Bote may have to issue an apology to the family of the baseball he vaporized and Jake Marisnick furthered his case for more playing time with a dinger of his own. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
They struck out 16 Cleveland hitters, including five for Arrieta and three each from Dillon Maples and Keegan Thompson. Each of the Cubs’ six pitchers struck out at least one batter.
Key Moment
Trailing 2-1 in the top of the 6th, Eric Sogard singled and Bote wore a pitch to set up Marisnick for a three-run jack.
Stats That Matter
- Arrieta had the good stuff working: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 5 K, 0 BB
- Bote demolished a ball for a solo shot and now has a 1.054 OPS on the spring
- Brandon Workman notched two more Ks and has yet to allow a run as a Cub
- Cubs pitchers gave up 12 hits but walked only one batter
Bottom Line
The win matters less than the individual performances by several players who will factor heavily this season. It was particularly nice to see the pitching staff missing so many bats, especially when the rotation probably won’t do much of that.
On Deck
Zach Davies takes the mound Friday as the Cubs head to their old stompin’ grounds at Hohokam Stadium to take on the A’s at 3:05pm CT. There will be no television broadcast, but you can listen to the game on A’s Cast.