Giants vs. Cubs: May 6, 2025 Game Recap and Highlights

The Chicago Cubs continued their offensive dominance, defeating the San Francisco Giants 9-2 on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Wrigley Field, setting the stage for an intriguing second game on Tuesday, May 6. Here’s a recap of the series opener and what to expect as the three-game series progresses.

Monday’s Game: Cubs Overpower Giants

The Cubs showcased their league-leading offense in the series opener, improving to 21-14. Dansby Swanson led the charge, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Ian Happ and Carson Kelly each hit home runs. Seiya Suzuki contributed two RBIs, and the Cubs capitalized on four Giants’ defensive errors. Matthew Boyd (3-2) delivered a solid performance, pitching six innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out seven.

For the Giants (22-13), Landen Roupp (2-3) struggled, giving up five hits and four runs (two earned) over five innings. Luis Matos provided the only offense with a two-run homer, but the team’s defensive miscues proved costly. The loss snapped San Francisco’s momentum after winning three of four against the Rockies.

Tuesday’s Matchup: Giants vs. Cubs Game 2

The series continues tonight, May 6, 2025, at 7:40 p.m. ET, with the Cubs favored at -148 on the moneyline against the Giants at +124. Colin Rea takes the mound for Chicago, facing Justin Verlander for San Francisco. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs, reflecting the Cubs’ high-scoring tendencies and the Giants’ potent offense, averaging 4.7 runs per game (11th in MLB).

Cubs’ Outlook: Chicago’s offense, the best in baseball at 6.3 runs per game, is led by Kyle Tucker (9 HRs in 2025) and a balanced lineup with 38 homers and 40 steals. Despite Shota Imanaga’s recent hamstring strain, the Cubs’ depth has kept them competitive. Rea, with a 4.4 FIP and 2.71 K/BB ratio, aims to stifle the Giants’ bats.
Giants’ Outlook: San Francisco, third in runs scored (5.55 per game), relies on Matt Chapman and a pitching staff allowing the second-fewest homers (25). Verlander, a veteran presence, looks to rebound from a tough stretch. However, the Giants’ four errors on Monday highlight a need for cleaner play.

Key Storylines

Cubs’ Offensive Firepower: Chicago’s ability to combine power (third in homers) and speed (first in steals) makes them a tough matchup. Ian Happ’s three RBIs and Swanson’s consistency set the tone. Can they exploit Verlander’s recent struggles?
Giants’ Defensive Recovery: After a sloppy defensive performance, San Francisco must tighten up. Their pitching staff, with a 1.232 WHIP (10th-best), needs to limit Chicago’s base runners.
Series Implications: The Cubs, with a 12-1 World Series odds, aim to solidify their NL contender status. The Giants, at 10% to win the NL West, need wins to keep pace in a tough division.

How to Watch

Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
TV: NBC Sports Bay Area (Giants), Marquee Sports Network (Cubs)
Stream: Available via MLB.tv and local providers
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

Looking Ahead

The series concludes Wednesday, May 7, with both teams vying for momentum in a competitive NL. The Cubs’ offense and home-field advantage make them favorites, but the Giants’ pitching and resilience could flip the script. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting matchup!

Sources: Reuters, FOX Sports, myKhel, Doc’s Sports, NBC Sports Bay Area