Cubs Pitchers Combine for 1-Hitter in 1-0 Win Over Guardians

Miguel Amaya's 8th-inning RBI single provides the only run in the doubleheader opener.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:05pm

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In the opening game of a traditional doubleheader, four Chicago Cubs pitchers combined for a one-hitter in a 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Miguel Amaya's RBI single in the eighth inning scored the game's lone run, as the teams combined for just three hits in chilly, blustery conditions at Progressive Field.

Why it matters

The low-scoring, pitching-dominated affair highlighted the challenges both teams faced due to the cold, windy weather, which limited offensive production. The win was just the third time in Cubs history the team has won a game with two or fewer hits while allowing one or fewer hits.

The details

Cubs starter Edward Cabrera held the Guardians hitless through 5 2/3 innings before CJ Kayfus led off the sixth with a double. Cabrera then walked two batters to load the bases, but reliever Caleb Thielbar came in and got Bo Naylor to pop out to preserve the tie. Guardians starter Slade Cecconi also limited the Cubs to just one hit over six innings.

  • The game-time temperature was 44 degrees Fahrenheit (6.6 degrees Celsius) with a steady wind blowing toward the plate.
  • A rainout Saturday prompted the Easter doubleheader, Chicago's first since 1973.

The players

Miguel Amaya

The Chicago Cubs catcher hit the game-winning RBI single in the eighth inning.

Edward Cabrera

The Cubs starting pitcher held the Guardians hitless through 5 2/3 innings.

Slade Cecconi

The Guardians starting pitcher limited the Cubs to just one hit over six innings.

José Ramírez

The Guardians star played in his 1,618th game, one shy of matching Terry Turner's franchise record.

CJ Kayfus

The Guardians outfielder hit a double that possibly could have been caught in the sixth inning.

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What’s next

The two teams will play the second game of the traditional doubleheader later on Sunday.

The takeaway

This low-scoring, pitching-dominated affair highlighted the challenges both teams faced due to the cold, windy weather, which limited offensive production. Despite the difficult conditions, the Cubs were able to secure the victory with a late-inning RBI single and a combined one-hitter from their pitching staff.