Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/21/23): Cubs 6, Royals 2 F/7 – Taillon Tough in Rain-Shortened Contest
The Cubs made their way to rainy Surprise for a matchup with the Kansas City Royals Tuesday night that was overshadowed just a bit by the epic WBC title game. Chicago got an excellent performance from their starting pitcher and took home the rain-shortened victory.
Patrick Wisdom gave the Cubs a lead in the 1st inning with a two-run single against KC starter Jordan Lyles. Christopher Morel smashed a tape-measure solo home run to left field in the following frame to give the Cubs all the offense they would need.
Morel blast 💪 pic.twitter.com/bwXRc163ER
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 22, 2023
Jameson Taillon had the strikeout pitch working big time Tuesday night, piling up nine Ks in five innings of work. The former Yankee’s only mistake was a two-run homer surrendered to catcher MJ Melendez that made the score 3-2 after three innings.
Eric Hosmer singled in a run in the 5th inning and the Cubs scored two more in the 7th, including one on a Nelson Velázquez base hit. At that point, the skies really opened up and the last two innings were washed out. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
Taillon was very good and the Cubs were able to get timely hits with men on base.
Stats That Matter
- Taillon appears ready for opening day: 5 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 9 K, and 0 BB.
- Wisdom had two hits on Tuesday and has been playing well this spring.
- Ian Happ reached base three times with a single and two walks.
- Mark Leiter Jr. threw a perfect inning.
Bottom Line
If Taillon, Marcus Stroman, and Justin Steele can perform up to their potential, the Cubs could have a quality rotation in 2023. That is, of course, a rather large if at the moment.
On Deck
The Cubs head to their former home stadium, Hohokam Park, to take on the Oakland A’s Wednesday at 3:05pm CT. Adbert Alzolay is on the mound and the telecast is on Marquee.
