Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/8/26): Giants 9, Cubs 5 – San Francisco Rides Power Surge to Win
The Cubs battled the Giants on a hot Sunday afternoon at Sloan Park and got off to a fast start. Unfortunately, the home side’s early lead was squandered by the pitchers out of minor-league camp and they took the loss.
Chicago got on the board first via an RBI single from Michael Conforto in the bottom of the 1st inning, then extended it to 2-0 on a run-scoring ground out by Moisés Ballesteros in the 4th. Manager Craig Counsell opted for a bullpen game, which worked pretty well until Corbin Martin surrendered a game-tying two-run homer to Parks Harber in the top of the 5th.
The North Siders responded immediately in the bottom of the frame with three runs of their own. Dansby Swanson hit an RBI double and Ballesteros knocked in two more to make it 5-2 after the 5th. That advantage would be very short-lived, however, as San Francisco answered back with four in the 6th.
Connor Schultz came on and gave up three homers, including the go-ahead two-run shot to Buddy Kennedy. The Giants would add three more runs in the top of the 8th inning and went on to win 9-5. (Box score)
Key Moment
Chicago was in good shape entering the 6th inning, but the wheels completely fell off and they trailed the rest of the way.
Why the Cubs Lost
The bullpen just couldn’t maintain a strong performance and they folded late.
Stats That Matter
- Caleb Thielbar and Phil Maton each had a clean inning to begin the game.
- Swanson had a huge afternoon with a double, a triple, and a walk.
- Ballesteros collected three RBIs.
Bottom Line
This is another deceiving spring training loss where the important players on the roster succeeded before a couple of journeyman pitchers gave up the game. Swanson is extremely locked in at the plate right now, so here’s hoping he can carry it over into the season.
On Deck
The Cubs are off on Monday before a game on Tuesday in Surprise against the Rangers starting at 3:05pm CT.
