Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/21/25): Padres 5, Cubs 1 – Cubs Drop First Game Back in Mesa
The Cubs resumed spring training on Friday after dropping a pair of regular season games in Japan this week. Chicago did not play any opening day starters in their return to Sloan Park and the Padres won fairly easily.
Cade Horton got the start and threw two scoreless innings but the Cubs did not do anything with the bats either. Most of the San Diego offense came from Tyler Wade who had an RBI single and a two-run homer and by the 8th inning they had a 5-0 lead.
The North Siders got a run back on a solo shot by top prospect Moises Ballesteros in the bottom of the frame. That would be all, however, and the Padres took home a 5-1 victory. (Box score)
Key Moment
Nico Hoerner played most of the game and appears ready to go when the regular season resumes in about a week after missing the start of camp recovering from off-season arm surgery.
Why the Cubs Lost
With the main squad traveling back from Tokyo this week the lineup was extremely undermanned.
Stats That Matter
- If he stays healthy, Horton will be a factor in 2025: 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 K, and 2 BB.
- The Cubs had three total hits on Friday.
Bottom Line
Spring training seems even more unnecessary after there have already been regular season games. With the roster already set, there’s basically nothing to decide in the final spring contests. Thursday cannot come soon enough.
On Deck
Chicago welcomes the Rockies to Sloan Park on Saturday at 3:05pm CT with Jameson Taillon making the start.
