Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/4/25): Reds 3, Cubs 2 – Soroka Injured as Bad Luck Leads to Loss
The Cubs and Reds met in the first game of their series on a lovely night at Wrigley Field on Monday night. Chicago saw almost every break go against them and came up short in a close loss.
Cincinnati went ahead when Tyler Stevenson hit a solo home run off of Michael Soroka in the top of the 2nd. Then, in a very strange development, both starting pitchers left the game with injuries. The Reds’ Nick Lodolo suffered a blister, and Soroka exited with shoulder discomfort that will have him on the IL for a while.
The North Siders took advantage of reliever Nick Martinez in the 3rd when Dansby Swanson hit a two-run homer to give his team a 2-1 lead. Ben Brown pitched well in relief, but an infield hit and a misplay by Ian Happ on an Elly De La Cruz double tied the score in the 6th.
Cincinnati got runners on first and third with two outs against Ryan Brasier, who was then replaced by Caleb Thielbar. TJ Friedl hit a go-ahead RBI single off of the Chicago lefty to put the road team out in front 3-2.
The Cubs appeared to have tied the game when Swanson beat out an infield single with a man on third in the bottom of the frame. Amazingly, the shortstop failed to step on first base and was ruled out on instant replay to erase the tally. That would be it as the Reds finished off the one-run victory. (Box score)
Key Moment
The Reds were the beneficiary of multiple infield hits, a line drive double play, and a runner somehow failing to step on first base. What a ridiculous string of good luck for one game.
Why the Cubs Lost
The lineup continues to scuffle in the second half, and they just did not score enough to take the pressure off the bullpen.
Stats That Matter
- The Soroka experiment may be a very quick one as he is headed to the injured list.
- Brown did a well in relief and did not deserve the run scored against him: 4 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 5 K, 0 BB.
Bottom Line
The Cubs’ record is still very good, but their recent play has been very frustrating and they haven’t been much fun to watch the last month. A slump is hitting the entire lineup at the same time is a big part of the recent grind. Failing to do more at the deadline is also a factor, especially with the only starter they added flaming out so quickly. If you are looking for a positive spin, this is a team very much due for a hot streak.
On Deck
Game two of the series is Tuesday night at 7:05pm CT. Shōta Imanaga is on the mound against Zack Littell in a contest broadcast on Marquee with a radio feed on 670 The Score.
