The Arizona Diamondbacks dropped a 8-1 decision to the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on Thursday in spring training play. Despite Pavin Smith's 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI effort at the plate, the Diamondbacks could not overcome a sizable deficit. Ryne Nelson worked 2.2 innings on the mound, allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits. The Cubs out-hit the Diamondbacks 12-6 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
Pavin Smith was the top performer at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. His ability to drive the ball out of the park was the highlight of the afternoon. Performances like this give the Diamondbacks confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Cristofer Torin provided support, going 2-for-3 with a double, Jordan Lawlar also contributed, going 1-for-3, and Gabriel Moreno chipped in, going 1-for-3. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Dansby Swanson led the Cubs offense with a 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI day. Carson Kelly also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Nico Hoerner added a 1-for-3 with a triple and an RBI effort as well. The Cubs offense proved to be too much for the Diamondbacks pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Ryne Nelson took the loss after struggling with his command, working 2.2 innings while allowing 2 earned runs on 3 hits with three strikeouts. He threw 42 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Diamondbacks evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 4.4 innings of work, allowing 6 earned runs while striking out six. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions.
Among the relievers, Shawn Dubin stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Cubs got on the board first with two runs in the first inning. Cubs pushed across two runs in the third. The Diamondbacks struck back with a run in the fourth. Cubs answered with a run in the fourth. Cubs tacked on two runs in the fifth. Cubs pushed across a run in the eighth. The Cubs were able to score in five separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Cubs out-hit the Diamondbacks 12-6, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 12,824 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Diamondbacks were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.