Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/17/24): Cubs 8, Rangers 6 – Parade of Runs in 6th Leads to St. Patrick’s Day Win
The Cubs welcomed the World Series champion Rangers to Sloan Park for a St. Patrick’s Day matchup. Chicago rolled out a starting lineup very similar to the one they will use against Texas to kick off the regular season in just 11 days and was able to take home the victory.
Seiya Suzuki kept his hot spring going with a 1st inning double and came in to score on a sacrifice fly by Cody Bellinger. Ian Happ returned from his hamstring injury and had an RBI double in the 3rd to increase the Cubs’ lead to 2-0.
Javier Assad got the start and was very good through the first three innings before tiring in his final frame and allowing a run. Chicago exploded for six runs in the bottom of the 6th behind homers from prospects Jake Slaughter and Christian Franklin.
Rate @mamaya_9's home run call on a scale of 1-10 pic.twitter.com/4MpoW8BC8F
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 17, 2024
The Rangers rallied back to get the score within 8-6 but the Cubs would close it out and win by that score. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
They got a quality start and were able to extend the lead in the middle innings.
Stats That Matter
- Happ was the DH as he eases back into the lineup and said he was feeling pretty good during an in-game interview.
- Assad struck out four as he tries to lock down a role as a swingman.
- Carl Edwards Jr. had another clean inning as he pushes for one of the final spots in the bullpen.
Bottom Line
The Cubs’ lineup has the potential to be one of the best in baseball. That alone doesn’t guarantee results but they are in a better position offensively than they have been in at least five years.
On Deck
The Cubs are off Monday before welcoming the Diamondbacks to Mesa Tuesday night at 8:05pm CT. Kyle Hendricks takes the mound with Marquee covering on TV.
