NEWSLETTER
The Cubs combined for their second straight shutout, even if not second straight no-hitter. Shame.
I kid, because once again, the Cubs’ pitching was pretty dominant (and they’ve now allowed just one run in their last 28 innings). Jameson Taillon cruised for his three innings, and then each of Keegan Thompson, Eric Stout, Mark Leiter, Jr., Nick Neidert, Ben Leeper, and Danis Correa threw a scoreless frame with at least one strikeout. All Spring Training caveats apply, but the Cubs really do have so much high-quality near-big-league pitching, especially in relief.
I really wish these games counted.
- This pitch is the new sweeper for Jameson Taillon:
- He didn’t throw many today (later said he threw about four of them, I could only visually clock a couple). If he gets it consistent, it’s such a nasty weapon to pair with the fastball and curveball, which both already play.
- Otherwise, Taillon just cruised today. Curveball was basically perfect. Fastball looked ready. He did allow the Cubs’ first hit since Thursday, though, so that’s kinda embarrassing.
- I know some folks were concerned that he hadn’t appeared yet, but Keegan Thompson made his spring debut today, and he looked completely fine. Gonna be quite a weapon this year.
- Nico Hoerner showing off the power and the wheels:
- Mike Tauchman would very much like to be the early-season right field fill-in for Seiya Suzuki. At a minimum, he’s making a strong case to win a bench job. He got on base multiple times again today, and also did a heads up tag-up at second base on a popped foul ball when the defender went to the ground to make a great catch. I guarantee David Ross took a note on that one.
- Kevin Alcántara wanted this hit so bad:
