Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/1/22, SS): Diamondbacks 6, Cubs 0 – Hendricks Hammered by Homers

A split-squad of Cubs headed to Salt River Fields to play the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday. It was hardly a performance to write home about, especially for Chicago’s Opening-Day starter, Kyle Hendricks.

Hendricks breezed through the first two innings before the home run ball took a big bite out of him. A solo shot in the 3rd inning was followed by three more dingers in the 4th and Arizona went up 5-0.

It was all pretty quiet after that and the Cubs never threatened to rally as the Diamondbacks took home the 6-0 victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

They only scratched out three hits the whole day, probably not enough to win even if Hendricks was on his game.

Key Moment

All the homers Hendricks surrendered were on sinkers and four-seam fastballs, possibly what he was working on during his outing.

Stats That Matter

• I guess if the Professor was going to have a rough game, it’s better to be the final spring outing than the regular season: 4.1 IP, 5 R, 5 H, 1 K, and 2 BB.
• David Robertson made his first appearance of the spring and struck out two in a clean inning.
• Highly-touted prospect James Triantos had one of the Cubs’ three hits.

Bottom Line

It’s tempting to try and read a lot into spring training performances, but it’s usually better to ignore them even if Hendricks has been continuing a home run trend that goes back further than just the exhibition season.

On Deck

The Los Angeles Angels head to Sloan Park for a game Saturday at 2:05pm CT. Mark Leiter Jr. makes the start for the Cubs in the game available on Marquee.