Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (3/5/26): Cubs 8, Diamondbacks 1 – Extra Base Power on Display in Win
The Cubs welcomed the Diamondbacks to Sloan Park on Thursday afternoon with many of their projected starters in the lineup. The home team scored early and often en route to an easy victory.
Michael Busch hit a double to begin the bottom of the 1st and scored on an RBI triple by Nico Hoerner, who then came in on a groundout by Ian Happ to give Chicago a 2-0 lead. Dansby Swanson added a two-run homer in the 3rd to increase the margin to 4-0.
Colin Rea got the start for the North Siders and pitched well, going 3.2 innings with only a solo home run by Pavin Smith in the top of the 4th marring his day. Craig Counsell‘s squad continued to add insurance including a two-run dinger by Carson Kelly in the 5th.
The Cubs went on to win the game by a final of 8-1. (Box score)
Key Moment
Chicago grabbed a quick lead in the opening frame and never looked back.
Why the Cubs Won
The combination of a good starting pitching effort and a productive lineup did the job in this one.
Stats That Matter
- Rea ended up with six strikeouts in his 3.2 innings.
- Swanson has three home runs in just a week of games.
- Kelly is doing pretty well with two homers of his own.
Bottom Line
The Cubs have tremendous power potential all over the roster in 2026. Everyone in the starting lineup, with the possible exception of Hoerner, is capable of hitting 20 homers this season. It should frighten opposing pitchers this summer.
On Deck
Chicago heads to Peoria Friday for a rare night matchup against the Padres starting at 7:10pm CT. Ben Brown gets the start in a game televised on MLB Network.
