Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/10/25): Cubs 6, Mets 5 – Horton Picks Up Win in MLB Debut
Cubs top pitching prospect Cade Horton made his much-anticipated major league debut against the Mets on Saturday night. Chicago’s rookie hurler picked up a win in a tense one-run affair.
The North Siders rallied in the opening inning against New York starter Tylor Megill with a pair of RBI singles from Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson to give the road team a 2-0 lead. Horton came on in the 2nd after Brad Keller served as the opener in the 1st. The rookie had a perfect frame to begin his MLB career.
In the 3rd inning, Michael Busch singled home Suzuki, who had doubled, to build the advantage to 3-0. Swanson took Megill deep to left for a solo homer that put the Cubs in front 4-0 in the 4th.
Horton made his one big mistake in the bottom of the frame when Brett Baty cracked a three-run homer to right field that cut the margin to 4-3. Chicago’s bullpen took over in the 6th and survived a pair of Mets scoring chances to maintain a one-run lead.
Miguel Amaya provided crucial insurance in the 8th, knocking in two runs on an RBI single against Max Kranick to make it 6-3. Baty continued his Darryl Strawberry impression in the bottom of the frame with his second home run on Saturday. This one was a two-run shot off of Julian Merryweather, bringing New York within a run at 6-5.
Porter Hodge came on in the bottom of the 9th to end the game and earn the save. (Box score)
Key Moment
Jeff McNeil drew a walk to begin the bottom of the 9th inning, but Hodge got Lindor to hit a ground ball right to him that he fired to Swanson at second to begin a double play.
Why the Cubs Won
The Cubs’ offense came through again with help from the long ball, to withstand the Mets’ difficult lineup. Their pitchers made a couple of big pitches to get out of jams.
Stats That Matter
- There was a lot to like about Horton’s debut: 4 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 5 K, 0 BB.
- Swanson continues to play very well, reaching base three more times Saturday.
- Busch had a couple of hits as well.
Bottom Line
Horton handled himself very well against a solid opponent in a hostile environment. It will be interesting to see how they use him going forward and if they keep using an opener in his outings. The Cubs have prevented a sweep by the Mets. With a win on Sunday, they can steal the series.
On Deck
The rubber match of the series is Sunday morning at 11:05am CT. Matthew Boyd takes the hill against Griffin Canning in a game airing exclusively on Roku with radio coverage on 670 The Score.
