Cubs Stumble Again as Blue Jays Soar to 70 Wins with 5-1 Victory
The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Chicago Cubs 5-1 on August 12, 2025, marking their 70th win of the season.
Cubs Stumble Again as Blue Jays Soar to 70 Wins with 5-1 Victory
The Chicago Cubs faced a tough challenge as they met the Toronto Blue Jays on August 12, 2025, at a bustling Wrigley Field. Unfortunately for Cubs fans, the match didn’t go as hoped, with the Blue Jays walking away with a decisive 5-1 victory. This defeat marked the Cubs‘ fifth loss in their last seven games, in which they collectively managed to score just six runs. It’s a stark contrast to the heights of their earlier season performances.
Toronto’s win not only improved their record to 70-50 but also secured their place as the first American League team to reach 70 victories this season. The Blue Jays have shown impressive prowess against National League opponents, boasting a 23-11 record in such matchups. The Cubs, by contrast, are struggling to find their rhythm, which raises the question: what’s going wrong in the Windy City?
The Pitching Duel
On the mound, Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos showcased his recent form with a commanding performance. He tossed 5⅓ scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while walking four and striking out three batters, elevating his season record to 9-4. Berríos has been on a roll, posting a 7-1 record and a 3.62 ERA in his last ten starts. Notably, he has incorporated a slider into his pitching repertoire, utilizing it approximately 26.5% of the time, which has contributed significantly to his success.
In contrast, Cubs‘ pitcher Javier Assad made his long-awaited season debut after recovering from an oblique injury. Unfortunately, it was a rough outing for him, surrendering four runs and eight hits over four innings. Looking for an edge in their lineup, the Cubs could certainly benefit from more stable pitching performances in the coming games.
Highlights from the Game
The scoring began early for the Blue Jays, with Alejandro Kirk driving in a run with a single in the first inning. Things heated up in the fourth when Ernie Clement hit a three-run homer, amplifying the lead significantly. Adding to the excitement, Daulton Varsho capped off the night with a leadoff home run in the eighth inning, marking his twelfth home run of the season.
Despite the Cubs’ struggles, there was a glimmer of hope as Michael Busch delivered an RBI single in the seventh inning. However, even with runners in scoring positions, the Cubs could not capitalize, and Brendon Little’s strikeout of Pete Crow-Armstrong to close the seventh inning symbolized the challenges they faced throughout the matchup.
Looking Ahead
As the Chicago Cubs gear up for their next encounter, they’ll be looking to regroup and find a way out of this slump. Their upcoming game will feature Cade Horton on the mound, who holds a solid 6-3 record with a 3.18 ERA, potentially giving Cubs fans something to smile about.
On the other hand, Kevin Gausman will take the mound for the Blue Jays, who stands at 8-8 with a 3.85 ERA. With temperatures projected to be high and the wind expected to blow favorably for hitters, fans can anticipate an electrifying game. Will the Cubs find their footing and turn things around, or will the Blue Jays continue their dominance?
For all the latest updates and player stats, fans can refer to Daily Herald and Major Wager.