Cubs and Guardians Split Doubleheader

Pitching injuries plague both teams as they split a pair of games in Cleveland

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:40pm

The Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Guardians split a doubleheader on April 5, 2026, with each team winning one game. The Guardians took the first game 6-3, while the Cubs bounced back to win the nightcap 4-2. Both teams were hampered by pitching injuries, with the Cubs' Horton heading to the injured list with a forearm issue.

Why it matters

The split doubleheader keeps both teams in the hunt in their respective divisions, but the loss of key pitchers like Horton could have a significant impact on their playoff hopes as the season progresses. Injuries are always a concern, and how the teams manage their pitching staffs will be crucial.

The details

In the first game, the Guardians jumped out to an early lead and held on for a 6-3 victory. Cubs starter Horton left the game in the fourth inning with a forearm injury, forcing the team to turn to its bullpen earlier than planned. The Guardians capitalized, scoring four runs in the middle innings to secure the win. In the nightcap, the Cubs bounced back, getting a strong outing from their starter and timely hitting to even the series with a 4-2 win.

  • The doubleheader took place on April 5, 2026.
  • Horton left the first game in the fourth inning with a forearm injury.

The players

Craig Counsell

Manager of the Chicago Cubs.

Kyle Williams

Reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Horton

Pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who suffered a forearm injury during the first game of the doubleheader.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Horton will need to spend time on the injured list.”

— Craig Counsell, Manager, Chicago Cubs

What’s next

The Cubs and Guardians will continue their series with another game on April 6, 2026. Both teams will need to manage their pitching staffs carefully in the wake of the injuries suffered during the doubleheader.

The takeaway

Injuries to key pitchers like Horton can have a significant impact on a team's playoff hopes, and how the Cubs and Guardians handle these setbacks will be crucial as they look to remain in contention in their respective divisions.