Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/8/25): Twins 8, Cubs 1 – Hitters Go Cold in Blowout Loss
The Cubs and Twins opened up their series at a sun-splashed Target Field Tuesday night. After an explosive weekend, Chicago’s bats went completely silent and the home team won handily.
Minnesota got to starter Shōta Imanaga in the opening inning with doubles by Byron Buxton and Ryan Jeffers to score one run, then a sacrifice fly by Royce Lewis that made it 2-0. The North Siders could not get anything going against Simeon Woods Richardson and went scoreless through five frames.
The Cubs got a couple of scoring chances against the Twins bullpen but could not get anyone home. Porter Hodge came on in the bottom of the 8th and got rocked, giving up three home runs and six total tallies to put the game on ice. Justin Turner hit his 200th career home run to avoid the shutout in 9th, but Minnesota still went on to a 8-1 victory. (Box score)
Key Moment
The Cubs got the first two men on base via walks in the top of the 8th inning. Griffin Jax retired the next three hitters to escape the jam and maintain the Twins 2-0 lead.
Why the Cubs Lost
The bats did not travel with the team from Wrigley and they just couldn’t get anything going until it was much too late.
Stats That Matter
- Imanaga gave up some hard contact, but pitched well: 6 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 K, 0 BB.
- Kyle Tucker was the only Cub to reach base three times, with two walks and a single.
Bottom Line
The Cubs just did not have it on Tuesday night and that’s gonna happen sometimes during the season. They just have to dust themselves off and win the next game.
On Deck
Game two of the series is Wednesday night at 6:40pm CT. Cade Horton takes the mound against David Festa in a contest available on Marquee with a radio feed on 670 The Score.
