Will the Cubs Claw Back Against Athletics at Hohokam?

As the Chicago Cubs prepare to face off against the Oakland Athletics at Hohokam Stadium, fans are left pondering whether their team can bounce back from a recent string of mixed performances. The Cubs' last outing on March 20th against the Arizona Diamondbacks showcased a struggling offense, managing only six hits and one run throughout nine innings. Despite a solid bullpen performance that kept earned runs at bay with an ERA of 0.00 over 4.1 innings, it wasn't enough to overcome their offensive shortcomings.

However, looking back at the game on March 17th against the Texas Rangers provides a glimmer of hope for Cubs enthusiasts. The team's bats came alive with ten hits and eight runs, including two home runs contributing to an impressive .588 slugging percentage. This offensive explosion was supported by a bullpen that held its own despite surrendering five earned runs over 5.1 innings.

The inconsistency in performance is evident when examining another previous game on March 16th versus the Los Angeles Angels where defensive errors played a role in their downfall, despite four runs scored by the offense.

The upcoming match presents an opportunity for redemption as they take on an Athletics squad in their own backyard. The key for success lies within the Cubs' ability to harness their hitting prowess demonstrated against Texas while tightening up defensively to avoid costly mistakes made against Los Angeles.

Cubs fans should look forward to seeing if their team can replicate that high-scoring energy while maintaining pitching composure under pressure – elements crucial for securing victory away from home.

The scheduled duel between these two teams is set for March 20th at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Arizona with first pitch slated for 1:05 PM MST. Fans unable to attend can catch all the action live on MARQ network as both teams vie for preseason dominance.