Home / Sports / Cubs Blow Lead Again: Bullpen Woes Plague 6-5 Loss
Cubs Blow Lead Again: Bullpen Woes Plague 6-5 Loss
6 Apr
Summary
- Cubs hit three home runs but still lost 6-5 to the Guardians.
- The bullpen faltered, allowing late runs and the series loss.
- Cubs will now face the Rays in Tampa Bay to open a series.
The Chicago Cubs were unable to secure a victory on Sunday, falling to the Cleveland Guardians by a score of 6-5 in the second game of a doubleheader. This loss resulted in a series loss for the Cubs.
Matt Shaw, Dansby Swanson, and Ian Happ each contributed home runs for the Cubs, marking the second time this young 2026 season they have hit three long balls in a game. Despite this offensive firepower, the outcome mirrored a previous game where three home runs did not lead to a win.
Starting pitcher Shōta Imanaga had a strong outing, allowing only two hits and a walk through five scoreless innings. However, the bullpen, a perceived strength from the previous year, has been shaky. Ben Brown relieved Imanaga and struggled, allowing runs that tied the game in the sixth. Later, Jacob Webb and Ethan Roberts also gave up runs, with the Guardians ultimately taking a 5-4 lead.
Despite a two-out rally in the ninth that brought the Cubs within a run, Cade Smith closed the door for the Guardians. The Cubs will now travel to Tampa Bay to begin a three-game series against the Rays on Monday. Jameson Taillon is scheduled to start for the Cubs.
