Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 5, Padres 2 - April 27, 2023
SERIES WIN! Against a very good Padres team! That makes me very happy this week.
Solo homers from each of Eric Hosmer, Nelson Velazquez, and Dansby Swanson accounted for three of the five runs today, with RBI singles from Ian Happ and Tucker Barnhart the other two (with the latter being a pop fly to shallow center that Trent Grisham lost in the sun – thanks!).
I liked a whole lot of what I saw from Hayden Wesneski today, compared with previous starts. Still too many non-competitive balls out of his hand, which put him behind in the count way too often. But he was much more able to execute his pitches roughly where he wanted, and he was actually able to throw the cutter a lot today. Needs that pitch if he wants to succeed against lefties.
All things considered, it was a great outing for Wesneski. Short, yes. Some moments of lost command, yes. But way better than last time out, and definitely things to build on. Plus, that lineup is kinda stacked.
Speaking of guys who needed a good day to build on, Michael Fulmer looked as good as he has … since Spring Training maybe? Command to the first batter was really spotty, walking Juan Soto. But then he struck out Xander Bogaerts on a nasty sweeper, got a lazy fly ball from Manny Machado, and struck out a completely fooled Matt Carpenter.
Lotta really good defense in this one from the Cubs. Not necessarily “highlight reel” plays, but just several really solid plays out there on 50/50 balls.
Full box score.
Source: bleachernation.com
