NEWSLETTER
No walk-off grand slam today for the comeback win, but the Cubs were actually close, falling 7-6 to the Giants after scoring two in the 9th.
Brennen Davis’s would-be-game-leading hit got snagged to end the game:
Brennen Davis was robbed of potentially extra bases thanks to a fantastic diving catch by Giants LF Jason Krizan to end the game with runners on second and third. Cubs lose 7-6.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) March 10, 2021
Alec Mills got in his work today, though we don’t have much in the way of video to get eyes on (there was no broadcast of the game today by any TV provider). Jordan Bastian grabbed a little:
Following a one-out walk, Alec Mills induces a 4-6-3 double play to end the second inning. Threw 12 pitches (7 strikes) in the frame. pic.twitter.com/sOifiIgWly
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 10, 2021
For his final out of the afternoon, Alec Mills got La Stella to chop into a 3-1 groundout. The Cubs righty logged 37 pitches (23 strikes) in 2.1 IP. One run on three hits with one walk and one strikeout. Fives outs via grounders. pic.twitter.com/LDpE4jwYYm
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 10, 2021
There wasn’t a lot of good stuff to call out on the pitching side behind Mills, at least by the box score. Andrew Chafin got knocked around, Brandon Workman walked two, Manny Rodriguez walked three (he was reportedly 97-99 mph at least), looks like Robert Stock couldn’t finish his inning, and Dan Winkler gave up a couple on a homer.
It’s Spring Training, so we are ABSOLUTELY calling this an inside-the-park grand slam:
Inside-the-park slam? Nope. Minor Leaguer Alfonso Rivas (acquired in Tony Kemp trade in Jan. ‘20) knocks in a pair with ground-rule double. pic.twitter.com/0Q3g6Vicya
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 10, 2021
HAD that been an inside-the-park grand slam, it would’ve been the second straight day the Cubs got a go-ahead one in the final inning!
Feels like Rivas has been getting a lot of playing time? Most believe he has a big league bat, but there are big questions about whether he’ll have enough power to justify being a guy who can play only first base and maybe a corner outfield spot. Yet another guy about whom we would’ve learned so much in 2020, and now we have to wait for 2021.
Oh, and speaking of grand slams, while yesterday’s grand slam hero Rafael Ortega didn’t hit another one, he DID notch another couple hits. He’s raking on the spring, which we know, matters only so much. But we’ve talked about him before: he’s one of those guys who has always hit at AAA, and just hasn’t gotten over the hump in MLB. You never know when a guy like that, even at age 29, might finally show up as a part-time contributor. Good to have him around as depth.
Rafael Ortega stays hot! pic.twitter.com/guDsfAWHPr
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 10, 2021
P.J. Higgins, showing off some pop:
.@pjhiggins7 solo shot trot! pic.twitter.com/MMVr0rvnQr
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 10, 2021
Meanwhile, old friend Jorge Soler is still really powerful:
Jorge Soler got alllllllllll of this one. pic.twitter.com/MnGHjK46xa
— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) March 10, 2021
I want to pat that left fielder on his head for even taking a step. Bless your heart.
Speaking of Soler and spring homers and today’s date:
6 years ago today, Jorge Soler, Javy Báez, and Kris Bryant went back-to-back-to-back off of Trevor Bauer. That was fun. pic.twitter.com/VOvMmskzDs
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) March 10, 2021
Elsewhere, turn your sound on and duck:
Good LORD. That was hit hard.pic.twitter.com/hOykamP7zu
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) March 10, 2021
That’s the Padres’ 2019 second rounder Josh Mears, who just turned 20 last month. Good lord. Shoulda landed him, too, Cubs!
