Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/2/25): Cubs 5, Guardians 4 – Bullpen Survives Late
The Cubs and the Guardians got together for the second game of three at Wrigley Field Wednesday night. Chicago fell behind early before rallying back to take the lead and then survived late for a one-run victory to take the series.
Shōta Imanaga had issues with homers early in the contest as Cleveland grabbed the lead. Carlos Santana and Lane Thomas hit back-to-back solo shots in the 2nd inning, and David Fry added another one in the 3rd to put the road team ahead 3-0.
The Cubs started battling back against Tanner Bibee in the bottom of the frame with an RBI double by Seiya Suzuki and an infield single by All-Star Pete Crow-Armstrong to cut the deficit to 3-2. Both of those players helped put the home team on top with a two-run single from Suzuki and a RBI triple from PCA that made it 5-3 in the 4th.
Imanaga lasted into the 6th inning and the bullpen was able to get out of a couple jams to reach the 9th inning still leading 5-3. Cleveland got two men on base against Daniel Palencia in that frame, and a sacrifice fly by Steven Kwan got them within 5-4, but Chicago’s closer slammed the door after that to preserve the victory. (Box score)
Key Moment
The Guardians had two runners on base in each of the final three innings on Wednesday, but the Cubs only allowed one of them to cross the plate.
Why the Cubs Won
They got just enough offense and the bullpen survived numerous close calls to hang on.
Stats That Matter
- Imanaga did a fine job outside of the three solo homers: 5.1 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 4 K, 0 BB.
- Suzuki is now up to 73 RBI on the season and definitely should get an All-Star selection.
- Dansby Swanson picked up a couple of singles on Wednesday.
Bottom Line
The Cubs got right back to business, winning the series and giving themselves the chance for a sweep. The bullpen continues to take care of business even if it is occasionally shaky. It’s good to see that Imanaga appears to be fully healthy because Chicago really needs him to boost the rotation.
On Deck
The North Siders go for the aforementioned sweep Thursday night at 7:05pm CT. Cade Horton takes the mound against Luis Ortiz in a matchup available on MLB Network and Marquee with the radio feed on 670 The Score.