Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (2/23/25): Cubs 6, Rangers 5 – Tucker Debuts in Win
The Cubs welcomed the Rangers to Sloan Park on Sunday and also saw the debut of new acquisition Kyle Tucker. The big-ticket right fielder and the rest of the regulars didn’t do much in this game, but the players from minor league camp led a comeback to erase an early deficit and win a fourth consecutive game.
Colin Rea got the start for Chicago and gave up a 1st inning run when Seiya Suzuki misplayed a Jake Burger single, allowing Marcus Semien to score from second. Ryan Pressly, who is projected to be the Cubs closer this season, got his first work in the 3rd and surrendered a run on to make it 2-0 Rangers.
Texas tallied three more score to build their advantage to 5-0 in the top of the 6th. The North Siders began to rally back in the bottom of the frame when Jonathon Long singled with the bases loaded. The hit would score three with the assistance of a throwing error to cut the deficit to 5-3.
The Cubs tied the score in the 7th inning on a single from Dixon Machado and a double by Haydn McGeary. McGeary had a bit of an embarrassing moment when he face-planted between third and home while trying to score the go-ahead run later in the inning.
Chicago got the winning score via a throwing error on a double play attempt in the bottom of the 8th. The 9th inning was uneventful and the home team took the 6-5 victory. (Box score)
Key Moment
Tucker did not get a hit but it was good to see him taking at-bats in a Cubs uniform.
Why the Cubs Won
As is so often the case during spring training, several defensive mistakes by young Rangers players opened the door for a big comeback.
Stats That Matter
- Pete Crow-Armstrong had three hits, including a double on Sunday.
- Rea had a lot of traffic on the bases in less than two innings: 1.2 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 K, and 2 BB.
Bottom Line
The Cubs are hoping Tucker is going to be a difference-maker in the middle of the lineup. PCA also has the potential to dramatically improve in 2025 and become an impact player. If Chicago is going to be a playoff team, they definitely need one or preferably both of those things to happen.
On Deck
The Cubs travel to Peoria for a game against the San Diego Padres Monday at 2:10pm CT. Matthew Boyd makes his initial appearance for Chicago with the Padres television broadcast available on the MLB app.
