Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/2/25): Reds 7, Cubs 3 – Shaw Returns in First Loss of Spring
The Cubs dream of an undefeated Cactus League season was shattered Sunday by the Reds at Sloan Park. The much more important part of this game, however, was the fact that top prospect Matt Shaw made his first appearance of the spring after suffering an oblique injury early in camp.
Cincinnati got on the board in the 1st inning when catcher Tyler Stephenson hit an RBI double off of Matthew Boyd. Chicago evened the score when Travis Jankowski brought home a run on a ground out in the 2nd.
The Reds went ahead for good on a pair of runs in the top of the 3rd when Santiago Espinal doubled and old friend Jeimer Candelario singled. Jake Fraley and Blake Dunn hit back-to-back solo shots in the 4th to increase the margin to 5-1.
The North Siders rallied back for two runs in the bottom of the frame on a double from Greg Allen and a bases-loaded walk by Ian Happ. That would be as close as Chicago would get though, as Cincinnati would eventually win 7-3. (Box score)
Key Moment
Shaw popped up with the bases loaded and two outs in the 4th with the Cubs trailing 5-3. Hopefully, he’ll come through often in that position during the regular season.
Why the Cubs Lost
They stranded nine runners on base Sunday, which prevented any kind of comeback.
Stats That Matter
- Boyd did not have the best day but did rack up some strikeouts: 2.1 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 4 K, and 1 BB.
- Shaw went 0-3 as the designated hitter but it was good to see him in there.
- Happ got on base a couple of times on Sunday.
- Allen had two more hits as he makes a big push for a roster spot.
Bottom Line
Even though the dream of a perfect season has been dashed for the Cubs they are in a pretty good position right now. With Matt Shaw back, only Javier Assad remains out with injury and he should not be gone much longer either. It’s the best you can hope for in any spring training.
On Deck
The Cubs head to Salt River Fields for a matchup with the Diamondbacks Monday at 2:10pm CT. Caleb Kilian gets the start in a game that’s not being televised.
