Cubs Rally Past Padres 6-5 on Kelly's Homer

Catcher Carson Kelly powers Chicago to victory on first Shōta Shove Day of 2026 spring training

Feb. 25, 2026 at 12:50am

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The Chicago Cubs defeated the San Diego Padres 6-5 in spring training action on Tuesday, with catcher Carson Kelly providing the offensive spark with a solo home run and an RBI single. Starter Shōta Imanaga had a strong outing, and the Cubs rallied for three runs in the 5th inning to take the lead for good.

Why it matters

The Cubs are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season, and strong performances from players like Kelly and Imanaga in spring training could be an encouraging sign for the team's outlook in 2026.

The details

Kelly put the Cubs on the board with an RBI single in the 1st inning, and they added two more runs in the 2nd on a hit-by-pitch and a sacrifice fly. The Padres scored twice in the 4th to make it 3-2, but the Cubs responded with Kelly's solo shot and an RBI double by B.J. Murray in the 5th to go up 6-2. San Diego made it close with three late runs, but the Cubs held on for the victory.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Sloan Park in Arizona.
  • It was the first official 'Shōta Shove Day' of the 2026 spring training season for the Cubs.

The players

Carson Kelly

The Cubs' starting catcher, who provided the offensive firepower with a home run and an RBI single.

Shōta Imanaga

The Cubs' starting pitcher, who had a strong outing as he looks to bounce back after a rough end to the 2025 season.

Nick Castellanos

The Padres' outfielder, who hit a two-run double to cut the Cubs' lead to 3-2 in the 4th inning.

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What’s next

The Cubs will host the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday afternoon, with Jameson Taillon making his second start of the spring training schedule.

The takeaway

The Cubs' strong performance, led by Kelly and Imanaga, provides an encouraging start to their 2026 spring training campaign as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.