Roederer's go-ahead blast lifts Cubs past Rockies |
SCOTTSDALE — With the Regular Season officially one week away, Craig Counsell is focusing on giving his regulars extra days off while still trying to get them as many innings as possible. Most of his changes are coming to the pitching staff, where he chose to have his starters throw in Minor League games rather than the standard Spring training game.
That was once again the case on Thursday, as Yancy Almonte earned what some would call the opener spot, with Drew Smyly and company slated to follow. Despite falling behind early by a pair of runs, the Cubs offense refused to back down and fought back to tie things up late. Then came the game's biggest hit, as Cole Roederer connected for a three-run shot in the top of the ninth to lift the Cubs to the 5-2 victory over Colorado. The win was much needed, considering the Cubs' offense the past few days, and for the most part, Ryan Feltner kept them in check once again. Feltner pitched into the sixth, scattering four hits and allowing just one run. He walked one and struck out six as the Cubs searched for answers. Whether it be Almonte, Smyly, or the rest of the Cubs staff, their pitching has been very good lately. They continued that in this one, allowing just two runs on five hits, one walk, and striking out 13. If that is the kind of production Counsell can expect from his arms this season, it will be a great year, as the Cubs pitching has been spot on lately. With the score knotted at 0-0 in the third, the Cubs put themselves in a position to score first, with Yan Gomes and Miles Mastrobuoni starting things off with a pair of singles. Faltner didn't let that bother him, as he bounced back to retire the next three hitters and escaped without any damage. The same can't be said about Smyly in the bottom of the third as his rough Spring Continued. After allowing a one-out single to Jacob Stallings, Smyly was on the verge of escaping, only to have Charlie Blackmon touch him up for the homer to give the Rockies a 2-0 lead. Little did the Cubs know, those would be the lone runs of the game for Colorado, as the Cubs held their offense to two hits the rest of the game. Looking to chip away at the lead in the fourth, Christopher Morel started things with another walk before racing home on the Dominic Smith double to make things 2-1. The Cubs could not tack on more runs, but with a run finally on the board, things were looking up for their offense. With the Rockies offense now struggling to get anything done, it would be up to the Cubs and their offense to make something happen, but with Faltner dialed in through his 5 2/3, runs would be at a premium most of the night. That was until the eighth inning when the Cubs offense not only had momentum, but benefitted from some sloppy play in the field from the Rockies. Down to their final out in the top half of the eighth, a costly error allowed Josh Rivera to reach first while also extending the inning. A Drew Bowser single moved Rivera into scoring position, but it was the two-out Liam Spence single that brought things to even as the Cubs stormed back to tie things up 2-2. Another scoreless inning by Sam McWilliams sent the game to the ninth, where the Cubs were looking to break the tie. Parker Chavers got things started with a one-out single before advancing to second on a Juan Mora single. With the go-ahead run now on second base, the Cubs were one hit away from grabbing their first lead of the afternoon. Not only did that hit come off the bat of Roederer, but it did more damage than anyone could've imagined. Roederer connected for a three-run blast against Victor Vodnik, and just like that, the Cubs were in front 5-2. Cubs OF prospect Cole Roederer hits a three-run home run yesterday against the Rockies. (edited to not show shaky camera 😂) #Cubs McWilliams closed things out from there, retiring the Rockies to end the game and sealing the deal for the Cubs 5-2. Cubs win! Comeback [W]in!
🎥 for @WatchMarquee pic.twitter.com/Q1CFulZ5yD
Final: #Cubs 5, Rockies 2. pic.twitter.com/6UZ0Lm6Vpi
Roederer: 1-for-1, go-ahead HR, 3 RBI
Spence: 1-for-1, RBI
Smith: RBI pic.twitter.com/K1eMauZBuk
