The North Side is buzzing. If you've spent any time near Wrigley Field or just scrolling through your feed today, you're likely asking: what was the score in the cubs game? It wasn't just another box score entry. Baseball is a long season, 162 games of grit and sunscreen, but certain afternoons carry a heavier weight than others. Today was one of them.
The Chicago Cubs took on the St. Louis Cardinals in a classic rivalry matchup that lived up to the hype, finishing with a 4-3 victory for the Cubs.
Winning at the Friendly Confines feels different. You can hear it in the way the "Go Cubs Go" anthem echoes off the rooftops on Waveland Avenue. But beyond the vibes, the actual mechanics of how this win happened tell a story of a team finally finding its identity in a crowded division.
🔗 Read more: Red Bull Arena in Harrison: Why It’s Still the Best Soccer Experience in America
Breaking Down the Cubs Score and Key Moments
It started slow. Honestly, for the first three innings, it looked like a pitcher's duel that might end 1-0. Shota Imanaga was on the bump, and his splitter was absolutely dancing. He’s been such a revelation for this rotation. Watching him work is like watching a master class in deception; he doesn't overwhelm you with 100 mph heat, but he misses barrels better than almost anyone in the league right now.
Then came the fourth.
The Cardinals managed to scratch across two runs after a rare defensive lapse in the outfield. For a moment, the energy at Wrigley dipped. You could feel that familiar "here we go again" tension. But Cody Bellinger—who has been the heartbeat of this lineup since his resurgence—laced a double into the gap in the bottom of the fifth. That sparked a three-run rally that turned the tide. Seeing the stadium erupt when that ball hit the ivy is exactly why we watch this sport.
The Bullpen Tightrope
Things got hairy in the eighth. They always do, don't they? The Cubs' bullpen has been a bit of a rollercoaster this season. Porter Hodge came in to bridge the gap to the closer, and while he’s shown flashes of brilliance, his command was just a bit off today. He walked the leadoff hitter, which is a cardinal sin in a one-run game.
The Cardinals managed to pull within one. With runners on second and third, the atmosphere was thick. It was one of those moments where every pitch feels like a life-or-death decision. But a massive strikeout on a high fastball ended the threat. It was a gutsy performance that probably saved the game and ensured that when people looked up what was the score in the cubs game, they saw a "W" next to the home team.
Why This Specific Result Shifts the NL Central
The National League Central is a mess. A beautiful, chaotic, stressful mess. Every single win against a division rival like St. Louis counts double. It’s not just about the win-loss column; it’s about the tiebreakers. If these two teams end up neck-and-neck in September, today's result is what determines who gets the home-field advantage or who watches the playoffs from their couch.
Craig Counsell was brought in for exactly these types of games. His managerial style is often described as "chess on grass." He uses the bench aggressively. He isn't afraid to pull a starter early if the analytics suggest a third time through the order is a risk. Today, his move to pinch-hit Mike Tauchman in the sixth proved to be the turning point. Tauchman took a 2-2 slider and poked it into left field for a crucial RBI.
📖 Related: Where is Bellingham From: The Surprising Roots of a Real Madrid Galáctico
It’s these small, incremental wins that build a championship culture.
Player Impact and Stats
- Shota Imanaga: 6.1 IP, 5 Hits, 2 ER, 7 Ks. A quality start that kept the team in it.
- Cody Bellinger: 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBIs. He continues to be the most reliable bat in the order.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong: His speed on the bases forced an errant throw that allowed the winning run to score. You can't teach that kind of pressure.
Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?
The Cubs can't celebrate for long. That's the thing about baseball—the bus leaves for the next city in a few hours. This win moves them closer to the top of the division, but the schedule doesn't get any easier. They have a looming West Coast trip that usually tests the depth of any roster.
If you’re tracking the standings, keep a close eye on the injury report. The Cubs have been playing "next man up" for a few weeks now with several key arms on the IL. Whether they can sustain this momentum depends entirely on the health of the rotation.
How to Stay Updated on Cubs Results
If you missed the broadcast and are just catching up now, there are a few ways to dive deeper into the analytics of today’s win.
💡 You might also like: Wrexham AFC vs Burton Albion: What Really Happened with the League One Promotion Race
- Check the Statcast Data: Look at the exit velocity on Bellinger's double. It was over 105 mph, showing he's seeing the ball incredibly well right now.
- Rewatch the 8th Inning: The defensive positioning the Cubs used against the heart of the Cardinals' order was a masterclass in scouting.
- Monitor the Waiver Wire: With the trade deadline approaching, a win like this might encourage the front office to be buyers rather than sellers.
The score reflects more than just points. It reflects a team that is starting to believe they can compete with the best in the NL. For fans, it's a reason to keep the blue flags flying.
Actionable Next Steps for Cubs Fans:
To get the most out of this season's race, start tracking the "Games Back" column specifically against the Brewers and Reds. Download the MLB app and set alerts for "Lead Changes" to stay on top of live momentum shifts. If you're attending a game soon, pay attention to the bullpen's usage in the 6th and 7th innings, as that is where Craig Counsell is currently making his most tactical impacts on the final score.