Chicago Cubs survive offensive showdown in Arrieta’s short outing vs Giants

Right-hander Jake Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs found themselves in what would be one of the highest scoring games this spring. Both teams combined for 30 runs, 16 coming for the Cubs while the Giants drove in 14 of their own. It just so happened to be Arrieta’s shortest outing in over a year which wasn’t expected of the reigning N.L. Cy Young winner.

Where to begin with this contest? First off, both starting pitchers got themselves a workout today but it was Madison Bumgarner who went further than his counterpart, Arrieta.

Arrieta was pulled from the game after failing to get out of the first inning, working only 1/3 of the frame. The 29-year-old right-hander was tagged for five earned runs on four hits and two walks, raising his earned run average up to 8.53.

San Francisco jumped out to an early 5-0 lead and would later make it a 7-1 ballgame until the Cubs started to fight back.

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Jason Heyward recorded his second triple of the spring in the top of the third, driving in leadoff man Dexter Fowler. Fowler, who finished the day 3-for-4 with two RBI, has himself a 1.019 OPS.

Kris Bryant later made it a three-run game with an RBI single of his own. One of his two hits that resulted in runners crossing home plate. His last being an RBI triple in the fifth inning.

Prospect Jeimer Candelario has had himself a wonderful spring training and he continued to swing a hot bat for the Cubs in yesterday’s victory. Candelario homered in his second at-bat of the contest, a solo big fly to left field which then made it 5-8 still in favor of San Francisco.

In 32 at-bats for the Chicago Cubs, the 22-year-old infielder is slashing .361/.395/.722 with three homers, five RBI and 13 hits total. He started off the spring in a bit of a slump, going 0-for-7 over the first five games.

Both teams went all out yesterday, not only putting up 30 runs but chewing up opposing pitchers for a total of 33 hits. Dexter had the most out of every position player that entered the game for the North Siders.

Next: Let's think rationally here, Cubs fans

Watching yesterday’s contest was a little bit of a preview of Chicago’s Opening Night lineup — except for Arrieta starting out at the nine spot. With Fowler leading off, Heyward batting second and Bryant hitting third, this team will have a few games like this during the regular season. The only question now, is who will be in left field and penciled in as the designated hitter?

It’s either Kyle Schwarber or Jorge Soler. Only time will tell but you have to like Chicago’s chances of starting out the year with a bang.