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Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (2/28/23): Brewers 6, Cubs 3 – Homers Punctuate Quick Game
The Cubs ventured to Phoenix on Tuesday to battle the rival Brewers at American Family Fields. Chicago’s offense started slow yet again, collecting just a single hit in the first six innings. Milwaukee had better luck against starter Drew Smyly, as Brian Anderson homered and Boston College legend Sal Frelick doubled in a run in the 2nd to put the home team up 2-0.
Rowdy Tellez took Ben Brown deep the following frame for a 3-0 Brewers lead. Matt Mervis doubled and Nelson Velázquez hammered a long opposite-field homer off of Tobias Myers to cut the deficit to one in the 7th inning. A three-run Milwaukee bomb in the 8th was the final blow in a 6-3 victory that lasted just 131 minutes. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost
The hitters continued their early spring struggles and the pitching staff allowed three homers.
Stats That Matter
- Smyly got hit hard but it’s possible he was working on something: 2 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 2 K, and 0 BB.
- Mervis also walked and had a pair of strikeouts against left-handed pitching.
- Velázquez added a single as he tries to earn a roster spot.
- Mark Leiter Jr. displayed a nasty splitter in a clean inning.
Bottom Line
With Seiya Suzuki out injured, playing time is available in the outfield. Someone like Velázquez could take advantage. The Cubs have a lot of strong options in the bullpen.
On Deck
The Seattle Mariners come to Sloan Park Wednesday at 2:05pm CT. Hayden Wesneski makes his first 2023 appearance in a contest broadcast on Marquee.