Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/25/23): Cubs 6, Padres 0 – Yan Gomes, We Go

The Cubs welcomed the Padres to a frigid Wrigley Field for the first of three games Tuesday night in the way of a series loss to the Dodgers and a welcome day off. Chicago got a great start on the mound and a big contribution from their backstop to pick up a shutout win.

The Cubs took an early lead when Yan Gomes blasted a two-run homer off of Blake Snell in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Justin Steele was outstanding yet again on the mound, pitching well into the 6th and keeping the Padres at bay despite a little inefficiency at times.

Yan with a two-run gomer! pic.twitter.com/u4lecFHjlm

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 26, 2023

Neither team could get their bats going on a cold and blustery night and the score remained 2-0 until the 8th inning. Chicago broke the game open in that frame against reliever Steven Wilson, starting with Gomes knocking in his third run of the game with his fourth hit.

Lefty Ray Kerr replaced Wilson with two outs and the bases loaded, and Nico Hoerner greeted him with a three-run triple into the left-field corner to give the Cubs their final 6-0 margin of victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Padres had two men on base and two out in the top of the 8th with Jake Cronenworth at the plate. Keegan Thompson got Cronenworth to fly out to right to preserve Chicago’s 2-0 advantage.

Why the Cubs Won

Steele battled nicely through a difficult San Diego lineup and Gomes continued his excellent beginning to 2023.

Stats That Matter

• Steele has exceeded his high expectations through his first month: 5.1 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 5 K, and 2 BB.
• Gomes has done a terrific job behind the plate this season and any offense he adds is just gravy. At the moment, you would need a gravy boat to hold all the production he is offering with the bat.
• Nelson Velázquez singled and walked as he filled in for Cody Bellinger, who went on paternity leave Tuesday.

Bottom Line

The Cubs bounced back nicely from a little blip against the Dodgers with an outstanding all-around effort Tuesday. Steele played stopper, exactly what you want to see from a potential ace. Gomes has been absolutely invaluable to the Cubs, especially the pitching staff, and the home runs he’s hitting are pretty nice too.

On Deck

Chicago looks to win the series Wednesday at 6:40pm CT. Drew Smyly takes on familiar foe Michael Wacha with a broadcast available on MLB Network (out of market only), Marquee, and 670 The Score.