Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/21/25): Reds 1, Cubs 0 – Second Shutout Loss Completes Sweep
The Cubs offense was a no-show again on Sunday afternoon as they suffered their second 1-0 loss to the Reds in the last four days. Cincinnati spoiled another terrific starting pitching effort by Chicago to complete a four-game sweep.
Jameson Taillon did great work, tossing seven frames and only allowing an RBI double to Gavin Lux in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Unfortunately, the North Siders could not scratch the scoresheet against Andrew Abbott despite getting some runners on base during the hard-throwing lefty’s outing.
The Reds bullpen took over in the 5th and completely locked things down from there, giving up just two walks and a single the rest of the way as the Cubs went down to a 1-0 defeat. (Box score)
Key Moment
Chicago drew a pair of walks against Tony Santillan in the top of the 9th to put the tying run at second base with two outs, but Pete Crow-Armstrong took a called third strike to end the game.
Why the Cubs Lost
The lineup is not doing much of anything recently, and it cost them the game Sunday.
Stats That Matter
- Taillon was not the problem: 7 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 4 K, 0 BB.
- Michael Busch was the only Cubs hitter to reach base twice with a walk and a single.
Bottom Line
The Cubs are not going to last long in the postseason if they keep hitting like they have been pretty much since July. They have been getting excellent work from the pitching staff down the stretch, and could be dangerous if they can get even modest offensive production. As of right now, that is a pretty dubious question with a week to go before the playoffs.
On Deck
The North Siders have Monday off before beginning a three-game set with the Mets on Tuesday at 6:40pm CT. Cade Horton takes the mound against David Peterson in a contest available on TBS and Marquee with a radio feed on 670 The Score.
