Dansby Swanson drives in Cubs’ first run of 2023 in 4-0 victory against Brewers

Shortstop Dansby Swanson resisted saying, ‘‘I told you so,’’ after the Cubs’ 4-0 victory Thursday against the Brewers on Opening Day. Well, mostly.

‘‘This is not like an ‘I told you so’ moment,’’ he said with a laugh, ‘‘but it’s just awesome when you’re proven right.’’

The Cubs won with good pitching and defense and by stringing together timely hits. It was exactly the recipe they had laid out in the spring, as their new-look group coalesced.

Swanson, who didn’t find his timing at the plate until late in camp, went 3-for-4. He is the first player to have at least three hits in his Cubs debut since second baseman Nico Hoerner did so in his MLB debut in 2019.

The Cubs’ ideal identity was summed up by an inning-ending double play and a subsequent four-run rally in the third inning.

Right-hander Marcus Stroman, who threw six scoreless innings, was facing Brewers slugger Rowdy Tellez with one out and the bases loaded.

‘‘Stro’s poise and competitive spirit is top shelf,’’ Swanson said.

Stroman got ahead in the count by pounding the bottom of the strike zone.

‘‘I probably had an opportunity to punch him out,’’ Stroman said, ‘‘but I was thinking more, ‘Just get him on the ground.’ ’’

He knew his defense would do the rest. Tellez pulled a slider to Hoerner, who was shaded toward first base. Hoerner slung the ball to second for the force, and Swanson turned the double play.

In the bottom of the inning, Swanson drove in the first run of the game. Miles Mastrobuoni and Hoerner stood on first and third with one out when Swanson stepped up to the plate.

He struck a single through the right side of the infield and pumped his fist as he ran to first, knowing Mastrobuoni would score to give the Cubs the lead.

Brewers shortstop Willy Adames cut off the throw from right field to try to catch Swanson off first base, but Swanson dived back, and Adames’ throw missed wide. Swanson popped up and pointed to Hoerner, who was getting up from a side into third and sprinting home.

The Cubs batted around in the inning, with Trey Mancini and Yan Gomes also driving in runs.

Roster moves

Finalizing the Opening Day roster, the Cubs selected right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. from Triple-A Iowa. They also put right-hander Kyle Hendricks (15-day, strained right shoulder), left-hander Brandon Hughes (15-day, inflammation in left knee) and right fielder Seiya Suzuki (10-day, strained left oblique) on the injured list, retroactive to Monday.