Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (2/23/26): Cubs 3, Royals 2 – First Fake Win of Spring
The Cubs finally got off the schneid and won their first game of the spring against the Royals in Surprise on Monday afternoon. It was a prospect-heavy lineup for Chicago in this one, but a couple of pitchers who will be important to the roster saw some action.
Ben Brown made the start and put up two scoreless innings before giving way to Javier Assad, who also did not allow a run in 1.2 frames. Shortstop Jefferson Rojas hit a solo home run in the top of the 4th to give the North Siders a 1-0 advantage.
DH James Triantos came through with a bases-loaded two-run single in the top of the 5th to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead. The Royals rallied late in the game to get within one, but the comeback came up short as Chicago secured a 3-2 victory. (Box score)
Key Moment
Triantos’s single gave the Cubs just enough cushion to hang on for a victory.
Why the Cubs Won
The pitching staff had a very good afternoon, and that was just enough to get over the finish line.
Stats That Matter
- Brown was touching 99 mph on his heater and had two strikeouts, demonstrating the nasty stuff that could make him dangerous at some point this season.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong was the only regular playing on Monday, and he picked up a walk.
- Rojas has been noticeable in these first few spring games.
Bottom Line
The Cubs have pretty good depth in the starting rotation going into 2026, better than they had in 2025. That will be very important because every team will have to rely on additional starting pitchers at some point over 162 games.
On Deck
Chicago returns to Sloan Park for a matchup against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday at 2:05pm CT. Shōta Imanaga makes his first outing in a game that will not be televised.
