Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/18/23): Giants 5, Cubs 1 – Sampson Better; Cubs Bats Silent
The Cubs faced off against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale on Saturday afternoon, once again producing very little with their hitting and dropping another game.
Adrian Sampson was able to avoid surrendering a home run for the first time this spring. The Giants were still able to grab a lead in the 3rd inning when first baseman Eric Hosmer threw away a sacrifice bunt, allowing a run to score from second.
Sampson made it into the 5th inning before being pulled with a man on first and one out. Michael Rucker came on in relief and Bryce Johnson and LaMonte Wade Jr. hit doubles that pushed the Giants’ advantage to four.
Anthony DeSclafani kept the Cubs off the scoreboard throughout his start. Patrick Wisdom doubled off of Sean Manaea in the 7th and came in to score Chicago’s only run on an Edwin Ríos single.
The Giants had very little trouble closing out the 5-1 victory. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost
They got only three hits in the entire game, not enough to win very often.
Stats That Matter
- This was a much better effort for Sampson: 4.1 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 6 K, and 1 BB. He even racked up 6 strikeouts on the day.
- No Cubs hitter reached base twice on Saturday.
Bottom Line
Much like when the Cubs were tearing off wins in spring training, it really doesn’t matter when they lose a bunch of games. Sampson at least kept his name in the conversation for the fifth starter spot, but he is a decided underdog at the moment.
On Deck
The Cubs and the San Diego Padres do battle at Sloan Park Sunday at 3:05pm CT. Justin Steele goes for Chicago and Marquee has the broadcast.
