Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/30/25): Reds 6, Cubs 2 – Abbott Dominates Sluggish Cubs
The Cubs and Reds opened up their series at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon with the road team again jumping out to a quick lead. Unfortunately for Chicago, no epic comeback was in the offing in this game as Cincinnati won rather easily.
TJ Friedl rudely greeted Colin Rea with a solo home run in the first at-bat of the game, and Gavin Lux added an RBI single to put the Reds ahead 2-0 later in the inning. Andrew Abbott was sharp and completely shut down Cubs hitters all day Friday.
Tyler Stephenson clubbed a two-run homer off of Rea in the top of the 4th inning to double Cincinnati’s advantage. Jake Fraley also hit a two-run shot off the Chicago starter to make it 6-0 in the 6th.
The North Siders finally dented the scoreboard in the 8th when Michael Busch, who did not start today, tripled in a run, and Matt Shaw brought him home with a single to cut the deficit to 6-2. A 9th inning rally fizzled, and the Reds prevailed by that same 6-2 mark. (Box score)
Key Moment
Kyle Tucker grounded into a double play with runners on first and second and one out in the bottom of the 8th. The Cubs would have been able to narrow the gap if Tucker had done damage there.
Why the Cubs Lost
They fell behind early, again, and this time the lineup could not bail them out.
Stats That Matter
- Rea will be thrilled to face anyone but Cincinnati, a team that has owned him this season by scoring 12 earned runs in two games: 5.2 IP, 6 R, 10 H, 3 K, 2 BB.
- No Chicago batters reached more than once Friday.
Bottom Line
The Cubs can’t make a pattern out of falling behind every game and expect a comeback victory. Rea has been good this season, but he does not have a track record of sustained success in his career, making regression a distinct possibility. Chicago should be looking for additional rotation help as the trade deadline draws near.
On Deck
The same two squads meet for game two of the series Saturday at 1:20pm CT. Drew Pomeranz gets the spot start against Nick Lodolo. The TV broadcast is available on MLB Network and Marquee Sports Network, with radio coverage on 670 The Score.
