Cubs Strikeout-Filled Spring Training Loss to Rangers

A close 3-2 game featured 14 strikeouts and a controversial call that led to an injury.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:59am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and competing perspectives of a baseball game, with players and the field rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist interpretation of the high-intensity action and drama of a close Spring Training baseball game.Scottsdale Today

The Chicago Cubs' Spring Training game against the Texas Rangers was a strikeout-heavy affair, with the Cubs' pitchers racking up 14 strikeouts. However, the Cubs ultimately fell 3-2 in a close game that featured a controversial call leading to an injury and a nail-biting finish.

Why it matters

Spring Training games provide an early look at teams' rosters and player development, giving fans a preview of the upcoming MLB season. This game highlighted the Cubs' pitching strengths but also exposed some offensive struggles, raising questions about the team's readiness for the regular season.

The details

Cubs starter Matthew Boyd had a mixed outing, starting strong but struggling in the second inning after an outfield error. The Cubs' offense struggled to find its rhythm, with only a few players contributing. A controversial call in the fourth inning, where a Cubs player was injured in a collision at first base, sparked debate among fans. The Cubs' bullpen had a mixed performance, with some bright spots but also a rough outing from one reliever. The game came down to the wire, with the Cubs falling short in the ninth inning.

  • The game was played on April 13, 2026.
  • The Cubs' next game will be against the Padres on Tuesday.
  • Before that, the Cubs will travel to Scottsdale to face the Giants, with Colin Rea taking the mound for the Cubs and Robbie Ray for the Giants.

The players

Matthew Boyd

The Cubs' starting pitcher, who had a mixed outing with strong moments but also struggled in the second inning.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

A Cubs outfielder who lost a fly ball in the sun, leading to a double and a Rangers' run.

Pedro Ramirez

A Cubs player who walked and stole a base, setting up the game-tying single.

Jefferson Rojas

A Cubs player who hit the game-tying single in the second inning.

Jonathon Long

A Cubs player who suffered a left elbow strain after a collision at first base following a controversial call.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to work on our offensive execution, but the pitching performance was a bright spot today.”

— David Ross, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Cubs' next game will be against the Padres on Tuesday, and before that, they'll travel to Scottsdale to face the Giants, with Colin Rea taking the mound for the Cubs and Robbie Ray for the Giants.

The takeaway

This Spring Training game highlighted the Cubs' strengths in pitching but also exposed some offensive struggles, raising questions about the team's readiness for the regular season. The controversial call and resulting injury added to the drama, leaving fans with mixed emotions about the team's performance.