Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/11/23): Cubs 5, Dodgers 2 – Wesneski Wows in Win
The Cubs ventured over to Camelback Ranch to battle the Dodgers Saturday afternoon as they sought another win in the wake of their first loss in over a week. Chicago got another outstanding start and more power en route to victory.
Both starting pitchers, Hayden Wesneski and Noah Syndergaard, breezed through the first four innings. Wesneski was particularly brilliant, not allowing a single runner to reach base in his outing.
Yan Gomes took Syndergaard deep in the 5th inning to end his afternoon and give the Cubs a lead. Mike Tauchman and Christopher Morel then hit back-to-back solo home runs off lefty Alex Vesia later in the frame to make it 3-0.
The Dodgers’ James Outman homered in the bottom of the 5th inning but a Gomes sacrifice fly got that tally right back in the 6th. Jake Slaughter added a 9th-inning solo shot and Chicago got the win. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
Putting up a combination of power and outstanding starting pitching is always a good way to win a baseball game. The Cubs got both of those things on Saturday.
Stats That Matter
- Wesneski continues to be very impressive: 4 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 4 K, and 0 BB.
- Gomes is Chicago’s starting catcher for his glove, so any offense like Saturday is just gravy.
- Cam Sanders was nasty, striking out the side in the 9th.
Bottom Line
Wesneski has taken a firm grip on a rotation spot and I think it would be foolish not to let him start the season in the 5th starter’s spot.
On Deck
The Milwaukee Brewers come to Sloan Park Sunday at 3:05pm CT. Adrian Sampson tries to right the ship after a rough beginning to the spring. As always, Marquee has the telecast.
