The Cubs kicked off the 2021 Cactus League season against the Padres in Peoria Monday. Much like late in 2020, a quality Cubs pitching effort was imperiled by a lack of hitting.
Chicago manufactured a the only of the game on a P.J. Higgins RBI grounder in the 5th to take a 1-0 lead. Kyle Hendricks and five other pitchers combined to make that tally hold up for the win. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
Three Padres double plays short-circuited potential rallies and helped preserve the narrow Cubs lead.