Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/6/24): Cubs 6, Angels 5 – Belli Back, Cubs Win
The Cubs and Angels played a high-scoring affair in Mesa Wednesday afternoon. Chicago was able to overcome some shaky early defense to rally back to a victory with what was close to an opening day lineup.
Justin Steele looked very good his first two innings of work before defensive issues popped up in the 3rd. Former Cub Jake Marisnick homered to tie the score and then back-to-back throwing errors from Christopher Morel and Steele himself allowed Los Angeles to take a 3-1 lead.
Chicago started to come back in the bottom of the 5th with the deficit at 4-1. Seiya Suzuki hit a solo shot, followed by a Cody Bellinger (good to have him back) walk and back-to-back doubles from Morel and Mike Tauchman to even the score.
Seiya Suzuki leaves the yard for the first time this Spring Training! pic.twitter.com/rYGDCr0Mmk
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 6, 2024
Yan Gomes put the Cubs ahead with an RBI groundout to cap the four-run frame. Another throwing error by replacement third baseman B.J. Murray allowed the Angels to even the game in the 6th inning.
Murray was able to atone for his mistake in the bottom of the 8th with a game-winning solo home run as Chicago took home the 6-5 victory. (Box score)
BJ Murray Jr. breaks up the tie! pic.twitter.com/QdZ3P2CtYs
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 6, 2024
Why the Cubs Won
The offense was able to get into gear and overcome some bad defense early on to grab a comeback win.
Stats That Matter
- Bellinger was the DH and had a groundout and a strikeout in addition to the walk.
- Suzuki almost hit another home run earlier in the game, but Marisnick reached over the fence to catch it.
- Morel had two throwing errors and two hits on Wednesday. The growing pains with his defense should be worth it with his potential offensive production.
Bottom Line
With the exception of the injured Ian Happ, Wednesday’s lineup figures to be close to what the Cubs roll out on Opening Day. The 5th inning shows this is a group that could be pretty dangerous in 2024.
On Deck
The Cubs head to Goodyear to take on the Reds Thursday night at 7:10pm CT. Hayden Wesneski makes the start and the broadcast is on Marquee.