Recap: Cubs vs Pirates – April 4, 2013

Any good game recap should emulate the game it is focused on. This recap will be no different than the game: quick, effective, and a lot of fun to watch.

FINAL SCORE: 3-2 CUBS

Travis Wood was rock solid on the mound going 6 strong with only 1 hit, 2 BB, 4 Ks and one batter reached on a Luis Valbuena error. Wood, who doesn’t really have anything outstanding in his pitch mix, mitigated this by locating his pitches beautifully.

James Russell and Shawn Camp also did their part getting out of a jam in the 7th with nothing but quality pitches as well. They were the shining stars of the bullpen in 2012 so solid play is not unexpected.

March 25, 2013; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

(30) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at HoHoKam Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Kyuji Fujikawa was a real beauty when called upon in the 8th, manifesting a K and two dribbling ground outs from the Pirates hitters. Fuji worked his delicious splitter (that’s right… so good you could taste it through the screen) and really looked composed on the mound. The dude has talent, so keep an eye on him.

The bats were relatively quiet on both teams with Starlin Castro driving in Wood for the first run, until the top of the 9th. Rizzo drew a walk, stole a bag, and Nate Schierholtz earned his paycheck by smashing a two run blast over center to make it 3-0.

Things looked good going in to the bottom of the 9th, then came Mr. Carlos Marmol…

He Marmolcoastered his way around 3 hits, 2 ER and 1BB before closing out the 9th, securing the win and preserving the blood pressures of Cubs fans worldwide.

CUBBIES CRIB “KING OF THE CRIB”: Travis Wood

Wood hit the mound and worked a solid game so he gets the nod as today’s King of the Crib. Nice work, Travis. Let’s hope for more solid starts this season.