Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/9/24): Cubs 5, Rockies 0 – Shutout Clouded by Taillon Injury
The Cubs game against the Rockies got off to an inauspicious beginning when scheduled starter Jameson Taillon was scratched right before the first pitch. Despite that one concerning development, everything else went exactly to plan as Chicago won easily.
Left-hander Thomas Pannone filled in for Taillon and tossed three scoreless innings Saturday. The only offense the entire game came during the bottom of the 3rd inning when Cody Bellinger cracked a ground-rule double with the bases loaded to put the Cubs ahead 2-0.
Belli gets us on the board! pic.twitter.com/G9fV8aaOUB
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 9, 2024
Dominic Smith then singled home another run and Patrick Wisdom knocked in two more with a base hit in his return from a quad injury. Chicago got effective relief from several of their potential bullpen options, including Adbert Alzolay, Carl Edwards Jr., and Hector Neris en route to a 5-0 shutout victory. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
The pitching was outstanding and they made the most out of their big offensive opportunity in the 3rd inning.
Stats That Matter
- Wisdom had a pair of hits as he fights for a spot on a suddenly deep Cubs bench.
- Another player fighting for one of those spots, Dom Smith, also had two knocks.
- Taillon tweaked his back during his bullpen warmup, but the Cubs say it’s minor.
Bottom Line
The Cubs may have to dip into their rotation depth early if Taillon can’t start the season on time. Every team has to face an injury like this at some point during the season, with any luck it won’t be a long-term issue.
On Deck
The Cubs head to Surprise to face the World Series champion Rangers Sunday for a Daylight Savings Time-adjusted 3:10pm CT start. Drew Smyly gets the start in a game available on Marquee.