Four Cubs pitchers combine for 1-hitter in Game 1 win over Guardians

Amaya's 8th-inning single drives in winning run in 1-0 victory

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:10am

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Four Chicago Cubs pitchers limited the host Cleveland Guardians to one hit as the visiting Cubs squeaked out a 1-0 victory in the first game of a doubleheader on Sunday. Miguel Amaya's single off Connor Brogdon with one out in the eighth scored Dylan Carlson from second as the Cubs managed to win with just two hits.

Why it matters

The Cubs' strong pitching performance, including a combined one-hitter, is an impressive feat that could set the tone for the rest of the series against the Guardians. The close, low-scoring nature of the game also highlights the competitive nature of the matchup between these two teams.

The details

Starter Edward Cabrera allowed the only hit, a CJ Kayfus double, to start the Guardians' sixth. Steven Kwan bunted Kayfus to third, but Kayfus was thrown out at home on Chase DeLauter's grounder to second baseman Nico Hoerner. Caleb Thielbar (1-0) allowed one walk in 1 1/3 innings of relief to get the win, and Daniel Palencia retired the side in order in the ninth to claim his first save of the season.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Saturday's game was rained out, necessitating the doubleheader on Sunday.

The players

Miguel Amaya

The Cubs catcher who drove in the game-winning run with a single in the eighth inning.

Dylan Carlson

The Cubs outfielder who scored the winning run after coming on as a pinch-runner in the eighth inning.

Edward Cabrera

The Cubs starting pitcher who allowed the only hit, a double, in 5 2/3 innings of work.

Caleb Thielbar

The Cubs relief pitcher who got the win after allowing one walk in 1 1/3 innings.

Daniel Palencia

The Cubs relief pitcher who recorded the save by retiring the side in order in the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great team effort on the mound today. Our pitchers really stepped up and kept us in the game.”

— Miguel Amaya, Cubs Catcher

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The Cubs' pitching staff delivered a dominant performance, combining for a one-hitter and holding the Guardians scoreless. This type of strong pitching effort could be crucial as the Cubs look to gain an early advantage in the series.