CHICAGO (AP) — In a frigid showdown at Wrigley Field, Justin Steele delivered a stellar performance, tossing three-hit ball over seven innings, leading the Chicago Cubs to a commanding 7-0 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday night, April 7, 2025. The game, played under a chilling 34-degree temperature, marked the coldest at Wrigley since 2011, and the Cubs capitalized on the icy conditions to improve their record to 8-5, winning six of their last seven games.
Steele (3-1) showcased his skills with an impressive outing, striking out eight and walking two batters. His dominance on the mound was crucial, especially after he struggled earlier this season with a 6.89 ERA. "It was a little colder today," said new Cubs slugger Kyle Tucker, who experienced the chilly Chicago weather for the first time. "It was snowing earlier. Probably throw on a few extra layers."
The Cubs got on the board early when Michael Busch doubled and scored in the second inning. He followed that up with an RBI triple in the fifth, pushing the Cubs' lead to 3-0. Ian Happ was instrumental in breaking the game open in the sixth inning with a two-run single against Gerson Garabito. Happ’s impressive performance included three RBIs, and he later stole second base and scored on Kyle Tucker's single.
This victory was particularly significant as it came against a Rangers team that had been riding high with five straight wins and an 8-3 record to start the season. However, Nathan Eovaldi (1-1) struggled on the mound for Texas, lasting only 4 2/3 innings while surrendering three runs and four hits. Eovaldi, who had pitched a complete game shutout against Cincinnati just a week prior, faced difficulties with his control, walking two and hitting two batters during the game.
The cold weather didn't deter the Cubs from their aggressive base running strategy. They swiped five bags throughout the game, showcasing their speed and opportunistic nature. Jon Berti led the charge with two stolen bases, while Pete Crow-Armstrong, Happ, and Seiya Suzuki each contributed with one steal. This focus on running was a key component of their strategy, especially given the chilly conditions that made long hits less likely.
As the game progressed, the Cubs continued to build on their lead. After Happ’s two-run single, Tucker’s hit brought in another run, and Seiya Suzuki's single capped off a four-run sixth inning, putting the game well out of reach for the Rangers.
Colin Rea came in to finish the game, working two scoreless innings to secure Chicago’s first shutout of the year. The Cubs’ pitching staff, including Steele’s stellar performance and Rea’s finish, demonstrated that they are beginning to find their rhythm as the season progresses.
For the Rangers, the loss was a setback after a strong start to the season. With the temperature dropping as low as 32 degrees for the next game, they will need to regroup quickly. Patrick Corbin is set to make his Rangers debut on Tuesday night, while the Cubs will send Jameson Taillon (1-1, 6.97 ERA) to the mound.
This game will be remembered not only for the Cubs' dominant performance but also for its historical context. The 34-degree gametime temperature was the coldest recorded at Wrigley Field since April 18, 2011, when the Cubs faced the San Diego Padres. In fact, this game tied as the fourth-coldest in the team's history. The coldest game ever at Wrigley was on April 8, 1997, when the temperature dropped to 29 degrees during a matchup against the Florida Marlins.
As the Cubs look ahead to the remainder of the series, they’ll aim to maintain their momentum against a Rangers team that has shown resilience this season. With a mix of strong pitching, aggressive base running, and timely hitting, the Cubs are positioning themselves as a formidable force in the early part of the season.
As the atmosphere at Wrigley Field buzzed with excitement despite the cold, fans left the ballpark knowing they witnessed a game that not only showcased the Cubs' potential but also etched itself into the annals of Wrigley Field history.
With the series continuing, all eyes will be on the Cubs to see if they can keep their winning ways alive and further solidify their standing in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
