On Aug. 6, 2025, Chicago Cubs beat Cincinnati Reds 6-1 as Cade Horton tossed 5.2 scoreless and Andrew Kittredge fired an immaculate inning; Palencia saved.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
After two tough losses, the Chicago Cubs desperately needed a spark to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds. They got it and then some on Wednesday, riding a dominant performance from rookie Cade Horton and a moment of pure perfection from the bullpen to a resounding 6-1 victory at a relieved Wrigley Field.
Nine pitches, nine strikes, three outs. A moment of baseball perfection from Andrew Kittredge.
The story of the day starts on the mound with rookie sensation Cade Horton. The right-hander was simply masterful, carving up the Reds lineup for 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He allowed just two hits and struck out six, showing the poise of a veteran. With every start like this, Horton isn't just proving he belongs; he's proving he can be a key piece of the rotation for a potential playoff run. He gave the team exactly the kind of shutdown performance it needed to stop the bleeding.
As if Horton's start wasn't enough, reliever Andrew Kittredge provided the day's most memorable moment. In the seventh inning, he accomplished one of baseball's rarest feats: an immaculate inning. Nine pitches, nine strikes, three strikeouts. It was a jaw-dropping display of efficiency and command, the first for a Cub since Hayden Wesneski did it in 2022. The rest of the bullpen, including Drew Pomeranz, Brad Keller, and Daniel Palencia (who notched his 16th save), was nearly as sharp, locking down the crucial win.
The offense provided more than enough support. Seiya Suzuki got the party started with a two-run homer, and Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ added solo shots late to put the game away. It was a solid team effort, even with slugger Kyle Tucker getting a much-needed day off. Before the game, manager Craig Counsell expressed his full faith in Tucker, saying, 'I'm super confident Kyle will end the season strong.' Wednesday's win showed the Cubs can still produce runs even when their big bats are resting, a crucial trait for any contender.
With the Reds series salvaged, the focus immediately shifts to a massive weekend series against the rival St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs announced that veteran lefty Matthew Boyd (11-4, 2.34 ERA) will take the mound for Friday's opener. This win keeps the Cubs four games behind the Brewers in the NL Central, making every game from here on out critical. While the big league club battles, the future continues to look bright, with top prospects like Owen Caissie and Moisés Ballesteros developing in a farm system ranked among the best.
This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. A rookie pitcher dominated, a reliever was perfect, and the bats came alive. Now, the Cubs carry that momentum into a classic rivalry weekend against the Cardinals. It's a chance to build on this performance, gain ground in the division, and prove they are ready for the August pennant race.
