Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (2/27/24): Cubs 6, Reds 6 – Cubs Rally Late to Force Tie

The Cubs welcomed the Reds to Sloan Park on Tuesday afternoon and got a first look at what their potential bullpen will look like 2024. Chicago struggled with the bats again early before their prospects were able to force a tie with a dramatic late rally.

Kyle Hendricks made his debut start of the spring and had his nasty changeup working early. He gave up only one hit in his two frames, but that hit was a triple that turned into a run and a 1-0 deficit.

The Cubs got scoreless innings from relievers Adbert Alzolay, Julian Merryweather, and José Cuas, all of whom project to have key roles in 2024. Cincinnati rallied in the 7th and 8th to build a 6-0 advantage as Chicago’s offense continued to do nothing.

Then the Cubs’ young players exploded to tie the score in the final two innings of the game. Matt Shaw tripled home a pair in the 8th inning and Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled in the run that evened the score in the 9th. That was where things ended they don’t play extras in exhibition games. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Tied

The promising talent in the Cubs system is starting to show out in big league camp and it spurred the comeback on Tuesday.

Stats That Matter

• Mark Leiter Jr. struggled in his first outing of the spring, giving up two runs in an inning of work.
• Old friend Carl Edwards Jr. pitched a 1-2-3 frame in his return to the Cubs.
• In addition to his game-tying knock, PCA’s leadoff double in the 7th was the Cubs’ first hit of the game.

Bottom Line

The bullpen ran out of steam down the stretch in 2023 so they are hoping the unit will be stronger this season. Tuesday’s performances were a pretty good first step toward that goal and watching the kids continue to develop at the end of these games is very fun.

On Deck

The Cubs travel to Maryville to take on the rival Brewers on Wednesday at 2:05pm CT. Jordan Wicks makes his second start of the spring and you can watch it on Marquee.