Cubs vs Braves: September 9, 2025 Score, Stats & Recap

The Chicago Cubs kept their late-season momentum rolling Tuesday night, taking down the Atlanta Braves 6-1. Rookie Cade Horton led the way with one of his best outings yet, shutting down one of baseball’s toughest lineups.

Horton, just 22, looked nothing like a rookie out there. He threw 6 1/3 innings, gave up just one run on four hits, and didn’t walk anyone. The right-hander struck out Braves hitters with ease, mixing his pitches and keeping everyone guessing.

Now sitting at 10-4 with a 2.70 ERA, Horton’s making a strong case as the National League’s top rookie pitcher. That ERA leads all MLB rookies right now, and it’s honestly hard not to notice what he’s doing.

Cade Horton’s Statement Performance

It’s not just the stats—Horton’s been remarkably steady all year. He’s racked up more wins than any other NL rookie, and he’s pitching with a poise you don’t see every day. Facing a Braves lineup stacked with All-Stars, he looked totally unfazed. That’s not something you can teach.

Offensive Spark from Crow-Armstrong

On the offensive side, Pete Crow-Armstrong brought the energy. He reached base three times, drove in two runs, and stole two bases, doing a bit of everything for Chicago. The Cubs needed a spark, and he provided it.

Crow-Armstrong’s speed on the bases really rattled the Braves. Swiping two bags kept Atlanta’s defense on their heels and opened up chances for the Cubs to score. That kind of pressure can totally flip a game’s momentum.

Breaking the Game Open in the Eighth

Heading into the eighth, the Cubs held a slim 2-1 lead. That changed fast. Chicago suddenly erupted for four runs, and the crowd at Wrigley went wild.

The rally started with a clutch two-run single from Matt Shaw. Then Dansby Swanson drew a bases-loaded walk, and a Braves error let another run cross the plate. Each at-bat showed just how patient and opportunistic the Cubs can be.

• Matt Shaw’s two-run single – He ripped a line drive into right, doubling the lead.
• Dansby Swanson’s RBI walk – He worked a tough at-bat and got the run in.
• Defensive miscue by Atlanta – Turned a close game into a blowout, honestly.

Contributions from the Top and Bottom of the Order

Ian Happ added two hits, including a double, and scored a run. He’s been steady at the plate, and that consistency matters a lot in games like this. Even when others grab the headlines, Happ keeps the pressure on opposing pitchers.

Braves Struggle to Solve Cubs’ Pitching

The Braves managed their only run in the second, when Ronald Acuña Jr. came home on a single by Jurickson Profar. After that, Horton and the bullpen shut things down. Atlanta’s starter, Spencer Strider, struck out eight over six innings but took the loss, dropping to 5-13. He gave up two runs on six hits, keeping it close until that rough eighth inning.

Looking Ahead

The series wraps up Wednesday. The Braves will send veteran lefty Chris Sale to the mound.

The Cubs haven’t announced their starter yet. They’ll try to finish the sweep and keep momentum as the season’s final weeks creep up.

Cade Horton’s looking more and more like a real Rookie of the Year threat. Pete Crow-Armstrong keeps sparking the offense.

The Cubs have handled high-leverage spots with some grit lately. This matchup with Atlanta feels like it could shift Chicago’s playoff hopes, but who knows?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves Results, Stats, and Recap – September 9, 2025 Gametracker