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    Enhanced Box Score: Reds 3, Cubs 2 – August 4, 2025

    What in the hell was that? What a brutal game. The Cubs got a HUGE break early on, when rolling Reds starter Nick Lodolo had to leave with a blister, but after that absolutely nothing went their way. There were two swinging bunt singles for the Reds, one of which led to a key run. There was a check-swing RBI double down the line. CB Bucknor missed a critical (and CLEAR) strike call that would’ve prevented the Reds from taking the lead. Dansby Swanson missed first base on what had initially been ruled as the game-tying RBI single. After review, Dansby Swanson missed first base as he hustled to beat the out. Cubs trail by one in the 8th. pic.twitter.com/tBGlI2G1aW— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 5, 2025 Oh, and of course, Mike Soroka, the ONE starting pitcher the Cubs added at the trade deadline, left tonight’s start with right shoulder soreness. But I think the most confusing (and frustrating) part of the night came in the bottom of the eighth inning. With the Cubs down a run, Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was supposed to be getting the night off after a really brutal stretch of strikeouts, was hit by a pitch. And although you never want to see him hunch over in pain, the ball did seem to get him on the elbow pad, setting up a perfect opportunity for the top of the Cubs order to tie the game – if not with their bats, then with PCA’s legs. But PCA surprisngly never took off for second base and was promptly doubled up off first on Nico Hoerner’s lineout. After that, Kyle Tucker struck out swinging, ending what looked like a very real threat with no stress at all. Setting all of that aside for a moment, I will give the Ankin Law “Making it Personal” Player of the Game honors to Ben Brown, who was quite brilliant, especially after being thrust into what amounted to a start at the very last second: 4.0 IP, 2H, 1ER, 0BB, 5K. And if it weren’t for the aforementioned swinging bunt single and check-swing RBI double (which also featued Ian Happ misplaying the ball, by the way), he would’ve probably been able to turn in another inning, if not at least leave the game without having allowed a run. Tonight, Brown had his velocity, he had his command, and he even broke out some useful changeups. It was a good game for him, and that may ultimately matter a lot more than we’d wish, given the news of Soroka’s injury. But we’re not leaving it on a high note, because this team doesn’t really deserve that right now. They look so flat. The offense is completely nonexistent. I mean, seriously, just look at how the game played out tonight … a night when the Reds starter was pulled unexpectedly after 1.2 innings. What is this? 1st inning: Cubs go down 1-2-3 2nd inning: Cubs go down 1-2-3 3rd inning: Cubs go single, homer … then 1-2-3 4th inning: Cubs down 1-2-3 5th inning: Cubs go down 1-2-3 6th inning: Cubs go 1-2-walk-walk-3 7th inning: Cubs go single … 1-2-3 8th inning: Cubs go HBP, double-play, strikeout (effectively 1-2-3) 9th inning: Cubs go down 1-2-3 Disgusting display. Oh, the Brewers won again tonight, by the way. Full Box Score.

    Enhanced Box Score: Reds 3, Cubs 2 – August 4, 2025

    What in the hell was that? What a brutal game. The Cubs got a HUGE break early on, when rolling Reds starter Nick Lodolo had to leave with a blister, but after that absolutely nothing went their way. There were two swinging bunt singles for the Reds, one of which led to a key run. There was a check-swing RBI double down the line. CB Bucknor missed a critical (and CLEAR) strike call that would’ve prevented the Reds from taking the lead. Dansby Swanson missed first base on what had initially been ruled as the game-tying RBI single. After review, Dansby Swanson missed first base as he hustled to beat the out. Cubs trail by one in the 8th. pic.twitter.com/tBGlI2G1aW— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 5, 2025 Oh, and of course, Mike Soroka, the ONE starting pitcher the Cubs added at the trade deadline, left tonight’s start with right shoulder soreness. But I think the most confusing (and frustrating) part of the night came in the bottom of the eighth inning. With the Cubs down a run, Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was supposed to be getting the night off after a really brutal stretch of strikeouts, was hit by a pitch. And although you never want to see him hunch over in pain, the ball did seem to get him on the elbow pad, setting up a perfect opportunity for the top of the Cubs order to tie the game – if not with their bats, then with PCA’s legs. But PCA surprisngly never took off for second base and was promptly doubled up off first on Nico Hoerner’s lineout. After that, Kyle Tucker struck out swinging, ending what looked like a very real threat with no stress at all. Setting all of that aside for a moment, I will give the Ankin Law “Making it Personal” Player of the Game honors to Ben Brown, who was quite brilliant, especially after being thrust into what amounted to a start at the very last second: 4.0 IP, 2H, 1ER, 0BB, 5K. And if it weren’t for the aforementioned swinging bunt single and check-swing RBI double (which also featued Ian Happ misplaying the ball, by the way), he would’ve probably been able to turn in another inning, if not at least leave the game without having allowed a run. Tonight, Brown had his velocity, he had his command, and he even broke out some useful changeups. It was a good game for him, and that may ultimately matter a lot more than we’d wish, given the news of Soroka’s injury. But we’re not leaving it on a high note, because this team doesn’t really deserve that right now. They look so flat. The offense is completely nonexistent. I mean, seriously, just look at how the game played out tonight … a night when the Reds starter was pulled unexpectedly after 1.2 innings. What is this? 1st inning: Cubs go down 1-2-3 2nd inning: Cubs go down 1-2-3 3rd inning: Cubs go single, homer … then 1-2-3 4th inning: Cubs down 1-2-3 5th inning: Cubs go down 1-2-3 6th inning: Cubs go 1-2-walk-walk-3 7th inning: Cubs go single … 1-2-3 8th inning: Cubs go HBP, double-play, strikeout (effectively 1-2-3) 9th inning: Cubs go down 1-2-3 Disgusting display. Oh, the Brewers won again tonight, by the way. Full Box Score.
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    UPDATED POST: Mike Soroka Exits with right shoulder soreness.

    As the only starting pitcher the Cubs acquired at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline, Mike Soroka came into tonight’s start with a lot of pressure. And to begin, he looked great, striking out the side in the top of the first, with his breaking pitches looking particularly nasty. He gave up a solo homer in the second, but generally still looked pretty good. And then he didn’t come out for the third. Sigh. Mike Soroka Exits Here’s the moment: Starting pitcher Michael Soroka left today’s game after the second inning. Ben Brown is on the mound. pic.twitter.com/9hojrLBCFJ— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 5, 2025 No word was given (yet) on why Soroka left the game, but he was seen motioning to the Cubs trainer, and was definitely not expected to act as an “opener” tonight. At least, not publicly. To make matters more concerning, Soroka has an extensive injury history and experienced a significant drop in velocity for three straight starts coming into tonight (a trend that continued into his first two innings). I’ll update this post as soon as we know more, but for now, Ben Brown is in. For what it’s worth, the Reds starter, Nick Lodolo, also exited with what looked like a blister.

    Cubs Deadline Addition Mike Soroka Exits After Just Two Innings

    As the only starting pitcher the Cubs acquired at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline, Mike Soroka came into tonight’s start with a lot of pressure. And to begin, he looked great, striking out the side in the top of the first, with his breaking pitches looking particularly nasty. He gave up a solo homer in the second, but generally still looked pretty good. And then he didn’t come out for the third. Sigh. Mike Soroka Exits Here’s the moment: Starting pitcher Michael Soroka left today’s game after the second inning. Ben Brown is on the mound. pic.twitter.com/9hojrLBCFJ— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 5, 2025 No word was given (yet) on why Soroka left the game, but he was seen motioning to the Cubs trainer, and was definitely not expected to act as an “opener” tonight. At least, not publicly. To make matters more concerning, Soroka has an extensive injury history and experienced a significant drop in velocity for three straight starts coming into tonight (a trend that continued into his first two innings). I’ll update this post as soon as we know more, but for now, Ben Brown is in. For what it’s worth, the Reds starter, Nick Lodolo, also exited with what looked like a blister.
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    Dansby Swanson Goes Deep!

    This article is brought to you by Feldco, Chicago's Home Renewal Experts. Family owned since 1976, Feldco helps homeowners transform their homes with quality windows, siding, doors and roofing. Call 866-4FELDCO today! The Cubs had some bad luck tonight, with starter Mike Soroka exiting the game with an apparent injury. But they had some good luck too, as the same thing happened to Reds starter Nick Lodolo (seemed to be a blister, but we’ll see). In any case, I think the Cubs came out on the better end of that double-exit, because Lodolo has been (and continued to look) absolutely nasty. Dansby Swanson took immediate advantage, swatting his 17th homer of the season, while pushing the Cubs on top 2-1. we love to C it, Dansby 😁 pic.twitter.com/KLHvmjHvTb— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 5, 2025

    Dansby Swanson Goes Deep!

    This article is brought to you by Feldco, Chicago's Home Renewal Experts. Family owned since 1976, Feldco helps homeowners transform their homes with quality windows, siding, doors and roofing. Call 866-4FELDCO today! The Cubs had some bad luck tonight, with starter Mike Soroka exiting the game with an apparent injury. But they had some good luck too, as the same thing happened to Reds starter Nick Lodolo (seemed to be a blister, but we’ll see). In any case, I think the Cubs came out on the better end of that double-exit, because Lodolo has been (and continued to look) absolutely nasty. Dansby Swanson took immediate advantage, swatting his 17th homer of the season, while pushing the Cubs on top 2-1. we love to C it, Dansby 😁 pic.twitter.com/KLHvmjHvTb— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 5, 2025
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    Cubs Deadline Addition Mike Soroka Exits After Just Two Innings

    As the only starting pitcher the Cubs acquired at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline, Mike Soroka came into tonight’s start with a lot of pressure. And to begin, he looked great, striking out the side in the top of the first, with his breaking pitches looking particularly nasty. He gave up a solo homer in the second, but generally still looked pretty good. And then he didn’t come out for the third. Sigh. Mike Soroka Exits Starting pitcher Michael Soroka left today’s game after the second inning. Ben Brown is on the mound. pic.twitter.com/9hojrLBCFJ— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 5, 2025 No word was given (yet) on why Soroka left the game, but he was seen motioning to the Cubs trainer, and was definitely not expected to act as an “opener” tonight. At least, not publicly. To make matters more concerning, Soroka has an extensive injury history and experienced a significant drop in velocity for three straight starts coming into tonight (a trend that continued into his first two innings). I’ll update this post as soon as we know more, but for now, Ben Brown is in. For what it’s worth, the Reds starter, Nick Lodolo, also exited with what looked like a blister.

    Cubs Deadline Addition Mike Soroka Exits After Just Two Innings

    As the only starting pitcher the Cubs acquired at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline, Mike Soroka came into tonight’s start with a lot of pressure. And to begin, he looked great, striking out the side in the top of the first, with his breaking pitches looking particularly nasty. He gave up a solo homer in the second, but generally still looked pretty good. And then he didn’t come out for the third. Sigh. Mike Soroka Exits Starting pitcher Michael Soroka left today’s game after the second inning. Ben Brown is on the mound. pic.twitter.com/9hojrLBCFJ— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 5, 2025 No word was given (yet) on why Soroka left the game, but he was seen motioning to the Cubs trainer, and was definitely not expected to act as an “opener” tonight. At least, not publicly. To make matters more concerning, Soroka has an extensive injury history and experienced a significant drop in velocity for three straight starts coming into tonight (a trend that continued into his first two innings). I’ll update this post as soon as we know more, but for now, Ben Brown is in. For what it’s worth, the Reds starter, Nick Lodolo, also exited with what looked like a blister.
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    Chicago Cubs Lineup: Willi Castro Gives PCA the Night Off

    CUBS LINEUP — Tonight, the Cubs begin the first of a three-game set against the Reds at Wrigley Field, and they’re debuting the one starting pitcher they did acquire at the deadline, Mike Soroka. Let’s hope tonight goes as well as his last start against Cincinnati with the Nationals (July 23): 5.2 IP, 2H, 1ER, 3BB, 6K. Here’s a look at the Cubs lineup for the opener. Chicago Cubs Lineup: Nico Hoerner, 2B Kyle Tucker, RF Seiya Suzuki, DH Carson Kelly, C Willi Castro, CF Justin Turner, 1B Ian Happ, LF Dansby Swanson, SS Matt Shaw, 3B Another day, another new position for Willi Castro. He played second base, he played third base, and today, he’ll play center field in place of Pete Crow-Armstrong, who went 0-9 with 7Ks over his last two games. Ouch. But even if PCA didn’t just have a brutal little stretch, this might be a good game for him to get in a rest, as Nick Lodolo has historically been tougher on fellow lefties than righties (it’s flipped this year, though!). Plus, Willi Castro has been hitting lefties well this season. So, again, it makes some sense for PCA to get a day off like this. Hell, rest for multiple players on the team seems to be one of the biggest value adds of Castro in the first place. The Cubs’ bench was mostly helpless beforehand. But that’s not the only change to the Cubs lineup today. Per usual, Nico Hoerner is also leading off. But this time, Michael Busch takes a seat in favor of last night’s hero, Justin Turner, whose numbers versus left-handed pitching this season have really blossomed: .292/.338/.472 (125 wRC+). And lastly, but expectedly, it’s the right-hander Carson Kelly starting behind the plate tonight. With another Reds lefty on Wednesday (which is also a day game following a night game), I suspect we’ll see Reese McGuire tomorrow night. Cincinnati Reds Lineup: TJ Friedl, CF Matt McLain, 2B Elly De La Cruz, SS Austin Hays, LF Gavin Lux, DH Spencer Steer, 1B Tyler Stephenson, C Jake Fraley, RF Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B Pitching Matchup: Chicago Cubs: Mike Soroka, RHP As I mentioned above, Soroka just faced the Reds two starts back, and it went well. His most recent start against the Astros, however, was short and less succesful: 3.1 IP, 4H, 2ER, 0BB, 4K. Was that artificially abbreviated because they knew they were trading him? Maybe. But it makes me a little concerned, given the apparent dropoff in velocity. Not the best of trends with the FB https://t.co/2GN8PeZevI pic.twitter.com/AsURTl0GFC— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) July 31, 2025 Cincinnati Reds: Nick Lodolo, LHP Nick Lodolo has been on some kind of heater lately, and it’s really bumming me out. The last time he pitched, he struck out 11 Dodgers in 5.1 innings of work. And the game before that (incidentally started by Mike Soroka), he shut out the Nationals, allowing only 4 hits (no walks) in 9.0 innings. But it isn’t just a two-game sample that has me concerned for the Cubs lineup tonight. Over his last EIGHT games (49.0 IP), Lodolo has allowed only 11 earned runs with eight walks and 53 strikeouts. Yeesh. The only silver lining there is he’s also allowed 7 homers over that stretch and has been unusually fortunate, almost unbelievably so, in his sequencing (96.8% strand rate). Broadcast Info: Chicago Cubs (65-46) vs Cincinnati Reds (58-54) at 7:05 pm CT – Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score Cubs vs Reds – Key Injuries: Chicago Cubs: Miguel Amaya, C Jameson Taillon, SP Javier Assad, SP Eli Morgan, RP Justin Steele, SP Cincinnati Reds: Carson Spiers, SP Wade Miley, SP Tyler Callihan, IF/OF Rhett Lowder, SP Julian Aguiar, SP Brandon Williamson, SP Ian Gibaut, RP Hunter Greene, SP Cubs vs Reds – Wrigley Field Weather Report Location: Chicago, IL Temperature: 75 degrees Wind: Blowing in, moderate Tonight vs Reds: 75° ☁️ Wind blowing in from CF / RF at 7mph💨 Gusts up to 13mph #Cubs #Weather— Wrigley Winds (@WrigleyWinds) August 4, 2025

    Chicago Cubs Lineup: Willi Castro Gives PCA the Night Off

    CUBS LINEUP — Tonight, the Cubs begin the first of a three-game set against the Reds at Wrigley Field, and they’re debuting the one starting pitcher they did acquire at the deadline, Mike Soroka. Let’s hope tonight goes as well as his last start against Cincinnati with the Nationals (July 23): 5.2 IP, 2H, 1ER, 3BB, 6K. Here’s a look at the Cubs lineup for the opener. Chicago Cubs Lineup: Nico Hoerner, 2B Kyle Tucker, RF Seiya Suzuki, DH Carson Kelly, C Willi Castro, CF Justin Turner, 1B Ian Happ, LF Dansby Swanson, SS Matt Shaw, 3B Another day, another new position for Willi Castro. He played second base, he played third base, and today, he’ll play center field in place of Pete Crow-Armstrong, who went 0-9 with 7Ks over his last two games. Ouch. But even if PCA didn’t just have a brutal little stretch, this might be a good game for him to get in a rest, as Nick Lodolo has historically been tougher on fellow lefties than righties (it’s flipped this year, though!). Plus, Willi Castro has been hitting lefties well this season. So, again, it makes some sense for PCA to get a day off like this. Hell, rest for multiple players on the team seems to be one of the biggest value adds of Castro in the first place. The Cubs’ bench was mostly helpless beforehand. But that’s not the only change to the Cubs lineup today. Per usual, Nico Hoerner is also leading off. But this time, Michael Busch takes a seat in favor of last night’s hero, Justin Turner, whose numbers versus left-handed pitching this season have really blossomed: .292/.338/.472 (125 wRC+). And lastly, but expectedly, it’s the right-hander Carson Kelly starting behind the plate tonight. With another Reds lefty on Wednesday (which is also a day game following a night game), I suspect we’ll see Reese McGuire tomorrow night. Cincinnati Reds Lineup: TJ Friedl, CF Matt McLain, 2B Elly De La Cruz, SS Austin Hays, LF Gavin Lux, DH Spencer Steer, 1B Tyler Stephenson, C Jake Fraley, RF Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B Pitching Matchup: Chicago Cubs: Mike Soroka, RHP As I mentioned above, Soroka just faced the Reds two starts back, and it went well. His most recent start against the Astros, however, was short and less succesful: 3.1 IP, 4H, 2ER, 0BB, 4K. Was that artificially abbreviated because they knew they were trading him? Maybe. But it makes me a little concerned, given the apparent dropoff in velocity. Not the best of trends with the FB https://t.co/2GN8PeZevI pic.twitter.com/AsURTl0GFC— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) July 31, 2025 Cincinnati Reds: Nick Lodolo, LHP Nick Lodolo has been on some kind of heater lately, and it’s really bumming me out. The last time he pitched, he struck out 11 Dodgers in 5.1 innings of work. And the game before that (incidentally started by Mike Soroka), he shut out the Nationals, allowing only 4 hits (no walks) in 9.0 innings. But it isn’t just a two-game sample that has me concerned for the Cubs lineup tonight. Over his last EIGHT games (49.0 IP), Lodolo has allowed only 11 earned runs with eight walks and 53 strikeouts. Yeesh. The only silver lining there is he’s also allowed 7 homers over that stretch and has been unusually fortunate, almost unbelievably so, in his sequencing (96.8% strand rate). Broadcast Info: Chicago Cubs (65-46) vs Cincinnati Reds (58-54) at 7:05 pm CT – Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score Cubs vs Reds – Key Injuries: Chicago Cubs: Miguel Amaya, C Jameson Taillon, SP Javier Assad, SP Eli Morgan, RP Justin Steele, SP Cincinnati Reds: Carson Spiers, SP Wade Miley, SP Tyler Callihan, IF/OF Rhett Lowder, SP Julian Aguiar, SP Brandon Williamson, SP Ian Gibaut, RP Hunter Greene, SP Cubs vs Reds – Wrigley Field Weather Report Location: Chicago, IL Temperature: 75 degrees Wind: Blowing in, moderate Tonight vs Reds: 75° ☁️ Wind blowing in from CF / RF at 7mph💨 Gusts up to 13mph #Cubs #Weather— Wrigley Winds (@WrigleyWinds) August 4, 2025
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