Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/30/25): Cubs 4, Rockies 3 – Bullpen Brilliant in Win
The Cubs and Rockies played the second game of their series after a brief rain delay at Coors Field Saturday night. Chicago relied on their pitching staff in this one to protect a one-run lead and take the win.
The North Siders went ahead on a sacrifice fly by Nico Hoerner against McCade Brown in the top of the 1st inning. Colorado tied the score on a bizarre play in the bottom of the 2nd, when Yanquiel Fernández singled with Warming Bernabel on first base and one out. Kyle Tucker hit the cutoff man and got Fernández in a rundown, but Bernabel scored in the process.
The Cubs had numerous golden chances to break the deadlock and finally came through when Ian Happ hit an RBI double in the top of the 5th. Carson Kelly added a sac fly against Jimmy Herget later in the frame and the road team was in front 3-1.
Tucker added insurance with a run-scoring single off of Herget in the 6th to increase the margin to 4-1. Javier Assad did a nice job but got into trouble in the bottom of the frame, surrendering an RBI triple to Mickey Moniak. Hunter Goodman knocked him in with a sac fly and the Rockies were within one at 4-3.
Chicago’s bullpen did a tremendous job from there, retiring the final nine Colorado hitters in order with Daniel Palencia closing it out in the 9th. (Box score)
Key Moment
It was a very impressive achievement for the Cubs bullpen to keep the Rockies off the board. That’s not an every day occurrence at Coors Field.
Why the Cubs Won
A great pitching performance and the offense got enough traffic on the bases to score four runs even with numerous missed opportunities.
Stats That Matter
- Assad did good work in an inhospitable environment for pitchers keeping the ball on the ground: 6 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 1 K, 2 BB.
- Tucker got on base four times and Seiya Suzuki reached thrice.
- Andrew Kittredge and Brad Keller were the other two relievers who had perfect innings Saturday.
- Happ had a pair of walks in addition to two hits.
Bottom Line
The Cubs won a series in Denver, which hasn’t been easy for them even when the Rockies aren’t good. Assad has settled in after a shaky return from the IL and is giving his team valuable innings. With the Reds sliding, it looks increasingly certain Chicago will make the postseason. The goal now is to be playing as good as possible heading into the playoffs.
On Deck
The North Siders attempt to sweep Colorado Sunday afternoon at 2:10pm CT. Matthew Boyd takes the mound against Tanner Gordon in a game broadcast on Marquee with a radio feed on 670 The Score.