Cubs’ Starting Offense Looks Great In 16-14 Comeback Win Over Giants

by Pablo MenaMarch 27, 2016, 1:41 pmNews >

The Chicago Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants 16-14 in a crazy spring game on Thursday night. After dealing with an injury, Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta was hit hard, while Chicago right fielder Jason Heyward and Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner got into a bit of a skirmish following a misunderstanding.

Cubs’ Starting Offense Looks Great In 16-14 Comeback Win Over Giants

Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant also started in left field for the first time this spring, just to test him out there, according to team manager Joe Maddon, who praised Bryant’s performance in both the infield and outfield during the game.

“I think KB can play shortstop,” Maddon said prior to the game. “Eventually he’ll be able to play shortstop. When he really gets his feet down because he catches the ball and has a fine arm.”

The Cubs’ offense looked strong on Thursday, with the top five hitters combining for 10 hits. Bryant had two hits and three RBIs, while Anthony Rizzo had two hits and two RBIs.

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Third base prospect Jeimer Candelario was also recalled from minor league camp for Thursday night’s game, and he once again delivered at the plate. Candelario had two hits, including his third home run of the spring. He will eventually be headed to Triple-A Iowa, where he will possibly make his major league debut this season if he’s needed.

Maddon also stated that the team’s staff will meet on Friday to begin making decisions regarding the Cubs’ roster numbers. A final 25-man roster isn’t due until Opening Day.

“We need to get something more firmly in place by the beginning of next week,” Maddon said.

The main question is whether to keep eight relievers and four bench players or seven bullpen arms and five on the bench.

The Cubs then lost to the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 at home on Friday.

Caption: NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 18: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs hits an RBI double in the sixth inning against Noah Syndergaard #34 of the New York Mets during game two of the 2015 MLB National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 18, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)