Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/23/25): A’s 8, Cubs 1 – Cactus League Finale Stinker
The Cubs played their final official Cactus League game against the A’s at Sloan Park Sunday afternoon. Chicago struggled to score yet again and a handful of home runs provided the temporary residents of Sacramento with a victory.
Power hitter Brent Rooker gave the Athletics an immediate lead with a homer off of starter Matt Boyd in the top of the 1st inning. JJ Bleday added a sacrifice fly in the 3rd to increase their advantage to 2-0.
Max Schuemann blasted a home run against Boyd in the top of the 5th inning to increase the lead. The Cubs cut the margin to 3-1 on an RBI single by catcher Miguel Amaya in the bottom of the 6th, but that was as close as they would get.
The Athletics lit up Colin Rea for five runs in the final two frames to blow the game wide open and roll to an 8-1 win. (Box score)
Key Moment
Rea did not help his case to get the final spot in the Cubs rotation with his performance on Sunday.
Why the Cubs Lost
The offense sputtered and they gave up four home runs, not a very good winning strategy.
Stats That Matter
- Boyd was solid Sunday other than home runs: 5.2 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 3 K, and 1 BB.
- Amaya had two of Chicago’s five hits in this one.
- Nico Hoerner had a single as he continues to round into game shape after his surgery.
Bottom Line
The Cubs’ domestic opener is just four days away and it seems like the final questions about the rotation have been solved. Although manager Craig Counsell won’t officially say Ben Brown has the job, he is very likely going to get the first crack. Brown has the stuff to do it well, so let’s see if can harness it.
On Deck
The Braves come to Sloan Park from Florida to play an exhibition game against the Cubs on Monday at 3:05pm CT. Brad Keller takes the mound in a contest televised on Marquee.
