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On March 23rd, 2023, the Arizona Diamondbacks faced off against the Chicago Cubs in a pre-season matchup in Mesa, Arizona. Both teams are looking to make a strong start to the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, and this game provided an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and make a case for a starting position.
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The game started off with Arizona taking the lead in the top of the second inning, as Diamondbacks’ first baseman, Christian Walker, hit a solo home run off of Cubs’ starting pitcher, Kyle Hendricks. However, the Cubs quickly responded in the bottom of the inning, as third baseman, Kris Bryant, hit a two-run home run off of Diamondbacks’ starting pitcher, Madison Bumgarner.
Bumgarner, who had a disappointing 2022 season, is looking to bounce back this year and had a strong outing despite giving up the home run to Bryant. He pitched three innings, striking out five batters and allowing only two runs on four hits.
The Diamondbacks continued to struggle at the plate against Hendricks, who had a solid outing, pitching four innings and allowing only one run on two hits. The Cubs’ offense, on the other hand, continued to produce runs, as they scored two more in the bottom of the fourth inning, with shortstop, Javier Baez, hitting a two-run double off of Diamondbacks’ reliever, Caleb Smith.
Despite the Cubs’ lead, the Diamondbacks did not give up, and in the top of the sixth inning, they scored two runs off of Cubs’ reliever, Andrew Chafin. Second baseman, Ketel Marte, hit an RBI double, and then third baseman, Eduardo Escobar, hit an RBI single to bring in Marte.
The Cubs’ offense continued to dominate, however, as they scored two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning off of Diamondbacks’ reliever, Taylor Widener. Cubs’ left fielder, Ian Happ, hit an RBI triple, and then catcher, Willson Contreras, hit an RBI single to bring in Happ.
The game continued with both teams making pitching and defensive changes, but the Cubs held onto their lead, winning the game 6-3. Cubs’ pitcher, Dillon Maples, closed out the game, pitching a scoreless ninth inning and striking out two batters.
Overall, the game was a good opportunity for both teams to see where they stand before the regular season starts. The Cubs’ offense looked strong, with Bryant, Baez, Happ, and Contreras all contributing to the team’s six runs. Hendricks also had a solid outing, which bodes well for the Cubs’ starting rotation.
