This one only mattered for pride and momentum, if you’re into such things. The Cubs had already sealed up home-field advantage in their series against the Padres, so Sunday was kind of a spring training affair in which there were lots of late substitutions and position changes. Craig Counsell also leaned on three pitchers who have served mainly as starters to get 27 outs and keep the pitching staff fresh.
Javier Assad went 5.1 shutout innings, striking out six with just one walk and three hits allowed to a Cardinals squad that clearly had one foot out the door already.