Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/4/24): Padres 2, Cubs 1 – Cubs Lose Despite Hanging with Mr. Cooper

The Cubs played a largely uneventful game against the Padres in Peoria Monday afternoon. The two teams combined for only three runs and San Diego was able to pull out a late 2-1 victory.

Jordan Wicks made his third start of the spring and was pretty solid, giving up just a 3rd inning RBI single to Fernando Tatís Jr. in 3.1 frames of work. Newly signed Cub Garrett Cooper doubled home Christopher Morel to even the score in the top of the 5th.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the 8th when the Padres took the lead on a sacrifice fly. First-round pick Matt Shaw doubled with two outs in the 9th but he was stranded there and the Cubs lost. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

They had five runners on base in the first three innings and failed to score any runs. That lack of offense eventually cost them the win despite a quality performance on the mound.

Stats That Matter

• Wicks has done nothing to hurt his chances of being the fifth starter so far this spring. He appears to have the inside track to the job but nothing is set in stone yet.
• Dominic Smith also made his first appearance in a Cubs uniform with a double and a single in three at-bats.
• Keegan Thompson made his 2024 spring debut, tossing a scoreless inning.

Bottom Line

Wicks being able to secure the fifth spot in the rotation allows Javier Assad and Drew Smyly to slide into more advantageous positions in the bullpen, so it’s important that he’s pitching well so far.

On Deck

The Cubs head to Surprise for their first night game of the spring against the Royals on Tuesday at 7:10pm CT. Caleb Kilian gets the nod on the mound in a contest airing on Marquee.