On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Chicago Cubs secured a decisive 4-0 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field, marking their third shutout win of the season. The game, which was delayed for two hours and ten minutes due to rain, showcased the Cubs' impressive pitching and timely hitting, allowing them to improve their record to 17-10, reaching a season-high seven games above the .500 mark.
The Cubs relied on a strategy of small ball, taking advantage of their speed on the bases rather than relying on home runs. The temperature hovered in the 40s with strong winds, creating challenging conditions for both teams. However, the Cubs adapted well, with Pete Crow-Armstrong igniting the offense in the second inning. He singled and then stole second base, setting the stage for Jon Berti, who drove him in with a double to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead.
Following Berti's double, the Cubs continued to add to their lead with RBI hits from Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner. Happ's contributions were particularly noteworthy, as he recorded two doubles and an RBI throughout the game. In the fourth inning, Happ's second double pushed the Cubs' lead to 3-0, showcasing his form as he has now accumulated 16 hits in his last 40 at-bats, batting .400 over his last nine games.
Colin Rea, making a significant impact since joining the starting rotation due to Justin Steele's injury, pitched five stellar innings, surrendering only three hits while striking out seven batters and walking two. His performance lowered his season ERA to an impressive 0.96, solidifying his role as a key player in the Cubs' pitching staff. "Rea got himself in trouble in the first with a pair of walks, but got out of the inning scoreless," noted sources following the game.
Four relievers followed Rea, combining to keep the Phillies scoreless. Caleb Thielbar, Brad Keller, Drew Pomeranz, and Daniel Palencia collectively allowed just two hits over four innings. Pomeranz made a notable debut, striking out both Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber on just seven pitches. "Whatever was said must have worked, because Pomeranz got J.T. Realmuto to fly to center on the first pitch," reported sources, highlighting the effectiveness of the Cubs' bullpen.
In the seventh inning, Crow-Armstrong added to the scoring with a perfectly executed squeeze bunt that brought Dansby Swanson home from third base, capping off a well-rounded offensive effort from the Cubs. Despite their successful outing, the Cubs struggled with runners in scoring position, going 4-for-22 and leaving 12 men on base. Nevertheless, the overall performance was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on their opportunities.
The Cubs' defense also played a crucial role in the victory. Swanson, a two-time Gold Glove shortstop, made a critical play in the seventh inning, snaring a grounder up the middle and forcing a runner out at second base. "That is an outstanding play by both fielders and shows why defense matters, and both of those men could win Gold Gloves again this year," noted commentators.
As the game concluded, the Cubs celebrated a satisfying win, their fifth victory in six games, while the Phillies faced their fifth consecutive loss. The Cubs will look to continue their winning streak as they prepare for game two of the series against the Phillies. Ben Brown is set to take the mound for the Cubs on Saturday, April 26, 2025, while the Phillies will counter with left-hander Jesús Luzardo. The matchup is scheduled to start at 3:05 p.m. CT, and fans are hoping for better weather conditions as the forecast indicates no rain.
Overall, the Cubs displayed a strong performance, combining effective pitching, strategic hitting, and solid defense, setting the stage for another exciting game in their ongoing pursuit of success this season.
