Chicago Cubs Recap: Albert Almora homers twice, Cubs win 22-4

In one of the most lopsided games of the spring, the Chicago Cubs dominated the Cincinnati Reds to the tune of a 22-4 final score.

It’s hard to know where exactly to start when breaking down 22 runs.

Right off the bat, leadoff man Anthony Rizzo took the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the first, sending it deep over the right-field wall. The cleanup hitter, Albert Almora, followed suit, cranking a three-run blast.

The Chicago outfielder was just getting started, though. As part of the team’s eight-run sixth, Almora hit his second homer of the afternoon. He finished the game 3-for-4 with two homers, a double and five RBI.

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Before the dust settled on the first inning, Chicago had hung half a dozen runs on the Reds’ pitching staff. Cincinnati got one run back before the Cubs put up three more runs in the fourth.

Leading 9-2 in the sixth, the gloves came off for the Cubs’ offense.

Almora got the inning starter with his aforementioned solo shot. Singles by Victor Caratini and Taylor Davis pushed the Cubs’ edge to 13-2 before outfielder Bijan Rademacher launched a grand slam.

Charcer Burks accounted for the final three Chicago runs on the afternoon, courtesy of a three-run home run that made it a 20-3 ballgame.

Offense has its way with Cincinnati

Over the weekend, Chicago scored a staggering 31 runs against the Reds. Cincinnati seems to be the Cubs’ favorite punching bag – and if this trend continues in 2017, it may help the reigning World Series champs run away with another division title.

Remember, it was against the Reds that Jake Arrieta tossed his second no-hitter last year, on a night where the offense put up 16 runs in the win.

Chicago hit four home runs and topped 20 hits in the win.

Butler strong again on the hill

Tossing 4 2/3 frames of two-run ball, offseason acquisition Eddie Butler was solid again Sunday, striking out one and walking one. He now owns a 3.07 ERA in Cactus League play and may very well represent a future rotation option for Joe Maddon.

Next: Hendricks looks to build on breakout 2016 campaign

Chicago begins its final week of Cactus League play in a World Series rematch Monday night against the Cleveland Indians. First pitch is set for 8:05 p.m. CT in Goodyear, AZ.