Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/2/25): Cubs 4, Braves 3 – Tucker Homers, Exits Early in Win
The Cubs and Braves met in the second game of their series at Wrigley Field on a lovely Tuesday night. Chicago scored all of their runs and a single inning and held on to win by a single tally thanks to the bullpen.
The North Siders did all their damage to Joey Wentz and the bottom of the 3rd inning, scoring four times. Kyle Tucker hit an opposite-field three-run homer, his first of the year to left, and Ian Happ added an RBI single to give the home team a 4-0 lead.
Shōta Imanaga didn’t allow any hits for the first three innings before running into trouble in the 4th when Matt Olson tripled and scored on a wild pitch. Ozzie Albies followed with a solo homer to cut the Braves’ deficit in half. Eli White hit another solo homer in the 5th to bring Atlanta within one at 4-3.
The Cubs bullpen took over in the 7th and did outstanding work to keep their team in front, with Drew Pomeranz and Caleb Thielbar handling the setup roles in the 7th and 8th innings. Daniel Palencia gave up a pair of singles in the 9th before closing the door on the one-run victory. (Box score)
Key Moment
Happ’s RBI single just got by the shortstop and rolled into center field and would eventually be the winning run.
Why the Cubs Won
They got to the magic number of four runs and the pitching staff took things from there.
Stats That Matter
- Imanaga was not super sharp, but he made it work and got the job done: 6 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 2 K, 1 BB.
- A bit of concern for Tucker, who had to leave with left calf tightness after a single in 6th.
- Kevin Alcántara added a single in his first major league game of 2025.
- Dansby Swanson made several highlight reel defensive plays at short.
Bottom Line
The Cubs can’t afford any major injuries, so hopefully it’s just a minor issue for Tucker. The bullpen has been a huge part of the last two series victories, which is a great sign with the playoffs looming. Chicago is just five games behind the Brewers and increasing the pressure a bit.
On Deck
The North Siders attempt to sweep the Braves on Wednesday night at 6:40pm CT. Cade Horton faces off against Bryce Elder in a game broadcast on Marquee with a radio feed on 670 The Score.