The Chicago Cubs came into their three-game series against the San Francisco Giants riding a hot streak, having won six of their previous seven games. Chicago had just swept the Los Angeles Angels, highlighted by Kyle Tucker breaking out of his slump with three home runs and seven RBIs. However, the Cubs struggled in San Francisco, falling victim to their first series sweep of the season.
Trying to avoid a complete sweep in the series finale, the Cubs suffered a heart-wrenching loss on Thursday. With the game tied 3-3 in the bottom of the ninth, Jung Hoo Lee stepped up to face Cubs closer Daniel Palencia with one out and runners on first and second. Lee delivered a walk-off single to right field, handing the Giants a 4-3 victory and completing the three-game sweep.
After the loss, manager Craig Counsell reflected on the Cubs’ struggles in San Francisco. “Look, we’ve got to score more… In this series, we didn’t help our pitching staff out enough by getting some runs on the board,” Counsell said, according to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian.
Giants Complete Cubs Sweep with Ninth-Inning Walk-Off
The Cubs struggled offensively against the Giants, failing to score more than three runs in any game and being outscored 21-8 over the three-game series. The results were especially frustrating after a strong offensive showing against the Angels, whom Chicago had outscored 19-6 in a three-game sweep.
Thursday’s loss came despite a quality start from Shota Imanaga. The All-Star left-hander allowed three runs on five hits and one walk with five strikeouts over seven innings. Giants starter Logan Webb matched him with three runs over seven innings, but San Francisco’s bullpen held the Cubs scoreless, and Chicago’s own relievers couldn’t respond. Cubs closer Daniel Palencia surrendered the winning run on three hits in the ninth, sealing the sweep.
Despite the setback, Chicago has been a model of consistency in 2025. This was the team’s first series sweep of the season and its first three-game losing streak since June. Offensive inconsistency has been a lingering issue, highlighted by Kyle Tucker’s month-long slump, during which he hit just .160 with no extra-base hits.
Tucker, an All-Star right fielder, was benched during that stretch. Since returning on August 21 with his hand fracture healed, he has rebounded impressively, slashing .304/.385/.730 with three home runs and seven RBIs.
The Cubs remain in contention, hoping to mount a run at the NL Central despite trailing the Brewers by 6.5 games. Even if that chase proves difficult, Chicago appears poised for the postseason, leading the NL Wild Card race.
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