Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/8/25): Cubs 10, Rangers 6 – Swanson Leads Cubs to Series Win
The Cubs came into Tuesday’s game against the Rangers with a chance for a third consecutive series victory at a frigid Wrigley Field. It turned out to be a wild back-and-forth game, but Chicago got a clutch hit in the 8th inning to pull out the victory and take the series.
Texas took the lead against Jameson Taillon in the top of the 2nd when Jonah Heim singled home a pair of runs. The Cubs answered right back against Patrick Corbin in the bottom of the frame, beginning with a solo homer by Dansby Swanson. Then Seiya Suzuki put the home team ahead with a two-run single to make it 3-2.
The Rangers tied the game in the 3rd inning when Wyatt Langford hit a solo shot to left, then the North Siders had their second three-run inning in the 5th against reliever Jacob Webb. Swanson hit a sacrifice fly and Nico Hoerner punched a bloop single to left field that plated two more to bring the score to 6-3.
Taillon went six strong innings, but there was immediate trouble when Julian Merryweather came in from the bullpen in the 7th. Leody Taveras hit an RBI triple and then came in to score on a Marcus Semien groundout to cut the margin to 6-5.
The Rangers evened the score against Porter Hodge in the 8th inning when Josh Jung hit a triple that glanced off the glove of Kyle Tucker in right. Swanson kept his big night going in the bottom of the frame with a bases-loaded single against reliever Chris Martin to put Chicago back on top. Pete Crow-Armstrong followed with his own knock to increase the lead to 10-6.
Ryan Pressly avoided any major issues in a non-save situation and closed out the win in the 9th. (Box score)
Key Moment
The Cubs could have fallen apart after surrendering the lead in the late innings. Instead, the lineup buckled down and rallied to take the advantage right back and earn another victory.
Why the Cubs Won
The offense came through repeatedly with runners in scoring position Tuesday to overcome another bullpen adventure.
Stats That Matter
- Taillon deserved the win: 6 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 6 K, and 1 BB.
- Swanson had four RBI and just missed a grand slam when he flew out to the warning track.
- Suzuki got on base four times with three hits and a walk.
- PCA had three knocks Tuesday and is starting to come around with the bat.
Bottom Line
The bullpen continues to be a nagging concern for the Cubs, but everything else is going very well. The lineup is clicking and producing runs almost every game and the starting pitching has been great. The fact that they continue to win series is an excellent sign for when the schedule gets softer later in the season. It almost feels like they’re getting an extra bonus for succeeding against the gauntlet they are currently running.
On Deck
The Cubs go for the sweep Wednesday at 1:20pm CT. Shōta Imanaga is on the mound against Tyler Mahle with the game broadcast on Marquee with radio coverage on 670 The Score.