By Tadgh Callaghan ‘25
The Chicago Cubs held off a late rally from the Seattle Mariners to secure a 9-8 victory in a spring training matchup Friday at Sloan Park in Arizona.
Originally, this story was supposed to be about the Cubs playing the White Sox. Sadly, that game was canceled due to weather conditions. This spared White Sox fans from seeing their team beaten by Chicago’s best baseball team.
Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong provided the biggest moment of the game, launching a solo home run in the second inning before blasting a grand slam in the third. His five RBIs helped the Cubs jump out to an early lead.
Seattle responded with a three-run homer in the fifth inning, cutting into the Cubs’ lead. First baseman Rowdy Tellez and infielder Jorge Polanco each had key hits for the Mariners, keeping the game within reach.
Cubs starter Jordan Wicks pitched three strong innings, striking out five while allowing just one run. The Mariners’ bullpen kept the game competitive, but Chicago’s early lead was too much to overcome.
Despite Seattle’s late push, the Cubs’ bullpen held on to secure the victory. Chicago will continue its spring training schedule as it prepares for Opening Day, with fans eager to see if the team can carry this momentum into the regular season.
