In a spring training showdown that left fans buzzing, Matthew Boyd stole the spotlight with a flawless performance, but it’s the Cubs’ rollercoaster game that has everyone talking. The Angels edged out the Cubs 5-4 in Tempe on Thursday, but the real headline was Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd’s dominant outing. Just days after a shaky start where he allowed five hits in less than two innings, Boyd bounced back in spectacular fashion. This time, he retired all nine Angels batters he faced—several of whom are expected to be on their Opening Day roster—and struck out three, including a standout moment against Mike Trout. Boyd’s efficiency was on full display, throwing just 34 pitches (23 for strikes) and generating seven swings-and-misses. This outing is likely his final tune-up before joining Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, where he’ll face Brazil in Houston next week. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Boyd’s resurgence a sign of things to come, or just a fleeting moment in spring training? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The Cubs jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, thanks to doubles by Jefferson Rojas and Dylan Carlson. However, Carlson’s baserunning blunder—getting picked off second base—ended the inning prematurely. The Cubs added two more runs in the second inning, with Chas McCormick doubling, advancing to third on James Triantos’ single, and scoring on Pedro Ramirez’s sacrifice fly. Justin Dean’s double and Scott Kingery’s walk loaded the bases, and Michael Busch was hit by a pitch to bring in the third run. Yet, the momentum shifted dramatically when Jaxon Wiggins took the mound. In just an inning and a third, Wiggins surrendered six hits and five runs, including four in the fifth inning that handed the Angels the lead. And this is the part most people miss: Wiggins’ struggles highlight the fine line between success and failure in baseball, even at the highest levels.
As the game progressed, the Cubs’ regulars exited, and Riley Martin took over in the sixth inning. A brief scare occurred when Martin was checked by manager Craig Counsell and the team trainer after a pitch, but he remained in the game and delivered a scoreless inning. Meanwhile, minor league umpire Louie Krupa had a rough day, with all four of his challenged calls overturned—a rare occurrence that sparked debate about the role of technology in officiating. Speaking of debates, what’s your take on the increasing reliance on instant replay in baseball? Share your opinion below.
Dylan Carlson continued his strong spring performance with two hits, bringing his early total to 4-for-8 with three walks. Chas McCormick also impressed, but determining who has the edge in the fourth outfielder race remains a challenge, given the small sample size. Both players will likely see more action, especially with Pete Crow-Armstrong soon departing for the WBC. The Cubs return to Sloan Park on Friday afternoon to face the Cleveland Guardians at 2:05 p.m. CT, with Edward Cabrera making his first spring start for Chicago and Logan Allen taking the mound for Cleveland. Unfortunately, there will be no TV or radio coverage for this game. As we look ahead, one question lingers: Can the Cubs’ young talent step up and fill the gaps left by WBC departures? Let’s keep the conversation going—what are your predictions for the Cubs this season?
