Cubs beat Reds 6-1 on Aug 7, 2025, as Cade Horton's gem and Seiya Suzuki's HR keep them in the hunt. Get the full recap of the crucial NL Central win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that felt like a must-win to halt a potential sweep, the Chicago Cubs delivered a resounding statement at Wrigley Field. Powered by a masterful performance from rookie Cade Horton and a long-ball barrage led by Seiya Suzuki, the Cubs dismantled the Cincinnati Reds 6-1, reminding everyone that the NL Central race is far from over.
'We have five more games where we can control their outcomes and time spent worrying on them other than that is not helpful.' - Craig Counsell
The biggest story of the day was the continued emergence of Cade Horton. The rookie right-hander was simply electric, carving up the Reds' lineup for 5 2/3 scoreless innings. He scattered just three hits and struck out seven, showing a poise that belies his experience. With the win, Horton improved to 6-3 with a sparkling 3.12 ERA, solidifying his spot as a critical piece of the rotation down the stretch. When the bullpen, led by a dominant Andrew Kittredge who fanned the side in the seventh, took over, the game was firmly in Chicago's control.
While Horton was dealing, the offense provided more than enough support. Seiya Suzuki continued his All-Star caliber season, launching his 27th home run and adding a sacrifice fly for two RBIs. But he wasn't alone in the power department. Dansby Swanson connected for his 18th homer of the year and Ian Happ added one of his own, showcasing the lineup's depth. Key RBI singles from Carson Kelly and Nico Hoerner rounded out the scoring in a comprehensive 6-1 victory.
Despite the crucial win, the four-game deficit behind the division-leading Brewers looms large. Milwaukee has been one of baseball's hottest teams, but the message from the Cubs' clubhouse is one of unwavering focus. 'We have to go play our brand of baseball, and we have to be focused on ourselves,' Ian Happ stated, a sentiment echoed by his manager. Craig Counsell was adamant that scoreboard watching is a waste of energy. This mentality will be put to the ultimate test when the Brewers come to Wrigley for a massive five-game series from August 18-21.
The future continues to look bright down on the farm. The Triple-A Iowa Cubs mounted an impressive six-run seventh-inning rally to beat St. Paul 7-4. Catcher prospects Miguel Amaya and Moises Ballesteros were right in the thick of it, combining for three hits and three RBIs. Ballesteros, along with Owen Caissie and Jefferson Rojas, remains a key name for fans to watch, showcasing the pipeline of talent that could help the big-league club in the years to come.
Yesterday's win was a perfect blend of what this Cubs team can be: dominant young pitching, timely power, and a veteran mindset. They needed to stop the bleeding, and they did so emphatically. Now, with the Brewers series circled on every fan's calendar, the mission is simple: keep winning. Every game from here on out is a chance to chip away at that four-game lead and set the stage for a dramatic late-August showdown at the Friendly Confines.
