Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/23/26): Cubs 9, Mets 6 – Swanson Shines, Cabrera Injured In Win

After a second consecutive rainout, the Cubs started their series against the Mets on a high-note, with a decisive victory at Citi Field Tuesday night. The news wasn’t all good, however, as they suffered yet another major injury to one of their pitchers.

Chicago put up a five spot against New York starter Kodai Senga in the top of the 2nd inning, beginning with a bases-loaded walk by Carson Kelly. Dansby Swanson followed with a sacrifice fly and then Pete Crow-Armstrong blasted a three-run homer to complete the big frame.

Edward Cabrera had issues with two outs in the bottom half of the inning, giving up a two-run single to Francisco Alvarez that cut the Mets’ deficit to 5-2. The North Siders got those two back when Swanson hit a home run with a runner on in the 4th.

In the bottom of the 5th, Cabrera stretched out to take a throw at first base from Nico Hoerner and immediately collapsed in pain. He was carted off the field with a left leg injury. Alvarez homered in the 7th but back-to-back doubles by Kelly and Swanson gave the Cubs a 9-3 lead in the 8th.

New York scored three runs against new addition Jayden Murray in the bottom of the 9th, but Chicago still won 9-6. (Box score)

Key Moment

The five-run 2nd inning put the Cubs in very good position right out of the gate and they never trailed after that.

Why the Cubs Won

They took full advantage of the scoring opportunities they had on Tuesday and it was enough to protect the very vulnerable pitching staff.

Stats That Matter

• Cabrera is going on the injured list and it sounds like it’s going to be a while.
• Swanson had two hits and four RBI on Tuesday.
• Craig Counsell got ejected after a bizarre play in the 7th inning when PCA was called out stealing second base on ball four when he ”overslid” the bag.

Bottom Line

The Cubs are waking up offensively but the injury problems for the pitching staff are not getting any better. The front office may have to make some aggressive moves just to have any kind of usable options available, particularly with a doubleheader tomorrow.

On Deck

Game one of the aforementioned twin bill starts Wednesday at 12:10pm CT. Javier Assad gets the nod against Nolan McLean in a contest airing on Marquee with a radio broadcast on The Score.