Game Recap: Cubs fall to Rockies despite Suzuki's two homers |
Dustin Riese
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- Saturday, March 22 2025
MESA - Everyone knew that once the Cubs returned home from Japan, it may take a few days for them to get back into the swing of things. After all, that is what Spring training is for, but when the regular season is less than a week away, any late spring struggles aren't ideal.
Looking to get back on track against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday at Sloan Park, the Cubs turned to veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon as he opposed left-hander Austin Gomber. Coming off an impressive outing last time against the Yourimuri Giants in Tokyo, Taillon picked a horrible time to have his worst outing of the Spring as he was touched up for five earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. That was too much for the Cubs to overcome as they wasted a two-homer day from Seiya Suzuki in a 7-3 loss. There were moments when Taillon looked like he had for the better part of Spring as he walked one and struck out six. However, anytime you allow five earned runs in your final start before the regular season, it's not the impression that makes anyone feel confident. The same can be said about Gomber, who was touched up for three runs in 3 2/3, but that was it for the Cubs offense, as they were next to non-existent most of the day. Two of the three runs charged to Gomber came off a pair of Suzuki homers, with the first coming in the first and the second coming in the third. Between those homers came after a Rockies offense that was making life miserable for Taillon as they struck for a pair of runs in both the second and third innings to open up an early 4-1 lead. That all started with a one-out Sam Hillard walk in the top of the second as he would eventually come in to score on the Kyle Karros fielder's choice. Adael Amador added an RBI double later in the second to put the Rockies in front 2-1 and they never trailed again. Already with two runs across, the Rockies continued to do damage against Taillon in the third, with Zac Veen leading things off with a single. Two batters later, Hunter Goodman touched up Taillon for the two-run shot, and just like that, the Rockies opened up a 4-1 lead. Credit the Cubs for not only refusing to quit, but continuing to battle back as they started to get to Gomber the second time through the order. Once again, Suzuki provided the big swing as he unloaded for his second homer in as many at-bats to pull the Cubs within 4-2. Kyle Tucker followed that up with a single before racing home on the Michael Busch double, and just like that, this was a 4-3 game. Unfortunately, the Cubs were unable to tack on any additional runs in the third, as those were the final runs of the day for the Cubs offense. With the Cubs having one player deliver multiple homers, the Rockies decided they wanted to join in on the fun with Michael Toglia connecting for a pair of solo shots in his next two at-bats, including his first one off of Taillon which was the final run he would allow. Hilliard also got in on the long ball party as he greeted Cayne Ueckert with a solo blast after he replaced Taillon to make things 6-3 in the fifth. Despite the Cubs offense going scoreless after the third, it didn't come without chances as Gage Workman delivered a two-out triple in the fifth only to be left stranded on the bases. The Cubs also saw Dixon Machado pick up a leadoff single to begin the eighth, but as was the case most of the night, the Cubs were unable to come through with the clutch hit needed to push home a run. Still trailing by four and down to their final three outs, Chicago did their best to keep things interesting and it came against Zach Agnos. After retiring the first hitter he faced, Agnos allowed a pair of singles to Darius Hill and Haydn McGeary as the Cubs had runners on the corners and two outs. That was as close as the Cubs would get to adding any more runs as Agnos struck out Chase Strumpf on an inside corner pitch to cap off the Rockies 7-3 win. Although there are still three Spring Training games left until the regular season begins, only one of those is considered a Cactus League game, as the Cubs will close out Cactus League play on Sunday against Sacramento Athletics. The Cubs will then welcome the Atlanta Braves to Sloan Park for the first time, playing a mini two-game set leading into the regular season.
