Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/12/25): Blue Jays 5, Cubs 1 – Offensive Struggles Continue in Toronto
The Cubs and the Blue Jays opened up their series in front of a big crowd at Rogers Center Tuesday night. Chicago failed with runners in scoring position for a second consecutive game and suffered another loss.
Javier Assad made his season debut and surrendered a 1st inning run on an RBI single by catcher Alejandro Kirk. The North Siders loaded the bases in the top of the 3rd but starter José Berríos escaped the jam to keep Toronto on top 1-0.
The Blue Jays got the big blow against the Assad in the bottom of the 4th when Ernie Clement hit a three-run homer to put the home team ahead 4-0. The Cubs got one those tallies back on an RBI single by Michael Busch in the 7th but they left the bases loaded once again.
Daulton Varsho hit a solo shot off Ben Brown in the 8th to finish the scoring and Toronto would win 5-1. (Box score)
Key Moment
The Cubs had the bases loaded twice and came up empty both times, which has been a common theme in the second half.
Why the Cubs Lost
They stranded 10 runners on base and one big swing by the opposition was enough to cause the defeat.
Stats That Matter
- Assad was rusty in his first start: 4 IP, 4 R, 8 H, 2 K, 1 BB.
- Busch walked singled and put together the best at-bats of the night.
Bottom Line
The Cubs’ middle of the order struggles are starting to be a major concern. Chicago’s offense just doesn’t work without Seiya Suzuki, Kyle Tucker, and Pete Crow-Armstrong contributing heavily. Right now they are offering almost nothing and if it doesn’t change soon losses may continue to pile up.
On Deck
Game two of the series is Wednesday night at 6:07pm CT. Cade Horton gets the start against Kevin Gausman in a contest airing on Marquee with a radio feed on 670 The Score.
