Chicago Cubs Scores and Recaps (3/20/26 SS): Reds 8, Cubs 6; A’s 6, Cubs 2 – Chicago Drops Both Ends of Split-Squad Friday

The Cubs saw their first split-squad action of the Cactus League on Friday night, facing the Reds at Sloan Park and the Athletics at their former home, Hohokam Park. Manager Craig Counsell had almost his entire roster available for the first time since before the WBC, but neither team could pull off a victory on this warm evening.

Matthew Boyd got the start against the Reds at Sloan and had a very rough ride Friday, giving up eight runs in 4.2 innings of work. The lefty gave up home runs to Tyler Stephenson, Matt McLain, and Spencer Steer to account for most of the damage.

The North Siders chipped away late, highlighted by homers from prospects Jefferson Rojas and James Triantos. In the end, Cincinnati held on to win 8-6. (Box score)

Jameson Taillon took the mound against the A’s and pitched well early, keeping the opponent off the board for the first four frames. Miguel Amaya brought home the first run for the Cubs with a solo shot against Luis Severino in the top of the 1st inning.

Taillon ran into his usual home run problems in the bottom of the 5th, giving up first a solo jack to Max Muncy and then a two-run blast to Lawrence Butler that gave the Athletics a 3-1 edge. Chicago pulled their starter at that point, and the home team added one more homer to increase the advantage to 4-1.

Amaya hit his second dinger of the game in the top of the 6th to cut the deficit to 4-2, but that was as close as the North Siders would get Friday. The A’s would add two runs against Javier Assad and eventually emerge victorious 6-2. (Box score)

Key Moments

The Reds game got out of hand early, but the A’s game was decided by the four-run 5th inning.

Why the Cubs Lost

They combined to give up six home runs between the two games.

Stats That Matter

• Boyd was making his first start for the Cubs since the WBC.
• Assad had to come out of his appearance with what looked like a blister.
• Amaya and the other two catchers on the roster have had excellent springs.
• Alex Bregman had a single in his first game back from Team USA.

Bottom Line

The regular season is now just a week away, so there are just a few dress rehearsals before the show starts for real. Results don’t matter at this point; the only concern is just getting everyone through the week to Wrigley.

On Deck

The Cubs head to Peoria for a game against the Mariners Saturday night at 8:10pm CT. Colin Rea takes the mound in a game broadcast on Marquee.