Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/26/25): Cubs 3, Rockies 1 – Taillon Sharp in Win

The Cubs returned to Wrigley Field to face the struggling Rockies for a Memorial Day matinee. Chicago did not have a big offensive output in this one, but instead used pitching and defense to grab yet another win.

The North Siders struck first against Carson Palmquist in the bottom of the 1st inning with Ian Happ walking and Seiya Suzuki doubling to put runners on second and third with one out. Dansby Swanson hit a ground ball to third base that scored Happ and put the home team ahead 1-0.

Jameson Taillon was very sharp Monday and did not allow any baserunners into the 5th inning. Mickey Moniak broke up the perfecto in that frame with a solo homer that tied the score. The Cubs regained the lead in the bottom half when Kyle Tucker ripped an RBI single off of Palmquist.

Tucker added some insurance with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 7th. There was some confusion on the play when left fielder Jordan Beck dropped the ball while transferring it from glove to hand, and it was originally called no catch. The runners on first and second did not advance, so it would’ve been an inning-ending double play. The correct call was made after an umpire huddle, and the score was 3-1.

The Cubs bullpen did not give anything up in the final three innings, with Daniel Palencia closing out the 3-1 victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Rockies had runners on second and third with one out in the 6th inning trailing by a run. Taillon got Ryan McMahon to hit a grounder to Nico Hoerner, who fired home to nail Jacob Stallings at the plate and keep Chicago in front.

Why the Cubs Won

They got very good pitching all day and manufactured enough runs to take home the win.

Stats That Matter

• That is two excellent starts in a row for Taillon: 6.1 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 7 K, 0 BB.
• Tucker had a stolen base in addition to his single and sacrifice fly.
• Matt Shaw walked twice, scored two runs, and made an outstanding defensive play at third.

Bottom Line

The Cubs demonstrated again Monday that they can win in many different ways. In this case it was pitching and defense that made the difference when the conditions weren’t good for hitting. They also avoided sleepwalking through this game against a very bad Colorado team.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Tuesday night at 7:05pm CT. Cade Horton takes the mound against Germán Márquez in a contest available on Marquee with radio coverage on 670 The Score.