Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/16/26): Cubs 5, Guardians 2 – Horton Ks 10 in Win
The Cubs played under the lights against the Guardians on a very hot Monday night in Goodyear. The road team used only two pitchers the entire game, almost unheard of in spring training, to earn the victory.
Miguel Amaya put Chicago on the board with an RBI single in the top of the 1st inning. Cade Horton got the start and was terrific, giving up only a run-scoring groundout in the bottom of the frame. Horton eventually went five and struck out a whopping 10 hitters on Monday.
Scott Kingery gave the North Siders the lead for good with a two-run homer in the top of the 2nd. Matt Shaw singled home another later in the inning to expand the margin to 4-1.
Kevin Alcántara doubled home a run in the top of the 5th to give the Cubs a 5-1 edge. Colin Rea took over for Horton and pitched the final four innings, allowing only one run to close out the 5-2 win. (Box score)
Key Moment
Chicago never looked back after Kingery hit the homer in the 2nd.
Why the Cubs Won
They got two quality pitching efforts to seal the victory in this one.
Stats That Matter
- Shaw had a double to go with the RBI single and played first base.
- Horton gave up three hits and walked one in addition to the 10 strikeouts.
Bottom Line
Monday was an excellent demonstration of the kind of talent Cade Horton has in his right arm. He could be the ace of the Cubs staff right now, and he moves the entire team up a level when he goes every fifth day.
On Deck
Chicago heads back to Sloan Park for another night game against the Angels at 8:05pm CT. Shōta Imanaga is on the mound and the game is not televised.
