Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/5/25): Reds 5, Cubs 1 – Steer Smashes at Wrigley
The Cubs and Reds played in the second game of their series on a warm and clear Tuesday night at Wrigley Field. Chicago’s offense continued to scuffle and the bullpen had an implosion in the 7th inning that resulted in a second consecutive defeat.
Both starting pitchers, Shōta Imanaga and Zack Littell, were sharp and neither squad could dent the scoreboard through four innings. Cincinnati took the lead on an RBI single by Spencer Steer in the top of the 5th. The North Siders came right back to tie the score on a long solo shot by Matt Shaw in the bottom of the frame.
Imanaga left the game with one out in the 7th and the Reds jumped all over reliever Andrew Kittredge to go ahead for good. Steer did the damage again, this time with a three-run homer, and Santiago Espinal added a sacrifice by later in the inning to bring the margin to 5-1.
The Cubs hitters went quietly after that and they lost by the same total. (Box score)
Key Moment
The offense is giving the bullpen very little margin for error and they are struggling under the pressure. Kittredge completely fell apart and that was more than enough for Cincinnati.
Why the Cubs Lost
Stagnant hitters and an overworked ‘pen are not conducive to victory.
Stats That Matter
- Imanaga was excellent for a second start in a row and deserved much better Tuesday: 6.1 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 7 K, 0 BB.
- Ian Happ whas the only Chicago batter to reach base twice with a walk and a single.
Bottom Line
This is the worst the Cubs have looked all season long, and they have been completely flat ever since the All-Star break. They have avoided any kind of sustained losing streak so far in 2025, but they appear vulnerable to it right now. Chicago could really use a victory to salvage the series and prevent any kind of a tailspin.
On Deck
The North Siders try to win and dodge the sweep Wednesday at 1:20pm CT. Cade Horton goes up against Andrew Abbott in a game available on Marquee with a radio feed on 670 The Score.
