Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/3/26): Guardians 4, Cubs 1 – Horton Injured in Loss

The Cubs played for the first time on the road in 2026 against the Guardians at Progressive Field on Friday afternoon. The final result of the game quickly became secondary after a potential major injury occurred in the early innings.

Cade Horton got the start and was cruising along before suddenly having to leave one batter into the 2nd inning with right forearm discomfort. Colin Rea took over for Chicago and kept Cleveland in check for the next couple of frames.

A miscommunication between the shortstop and third baseman allowed a Pete Crow-Armstrong pop-up to drop untouched for a gift double in the top of the 3rd. PCA then stole third base and came home on a two-base hit by Miguel Amaya to give the North Siders a lead.

The Guards finally got to Rea in the bottom of the 5th with an RBI single by Chase DeLauter. Ian Happ threw out the potential go-ahead run at the plate to keep the game tied and end the inning.

Cleveland jumped ahead against Cubs reliever Hunter Harvey in the bottom of the 7th, beginning with a solo homer by Gabriel Arias. DeLauter put the game on ice later in the frame with a two-run dinger that gave the home team a 4-1 advantage.

Chicago did not do much of anything the rest of the way and Cade Smith recorded the save in the Guardians 4-1 victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs had runners on first and third with nobody out in the top of the 6th and proceeded to hit three consecutive pop-ups to the left side to strand the runners.

Why the Cubs Lost

Their offensive inconsistency continued with another flat performance from the lineup against left-handed starter Joey Cantillo.

Stats That Matter

• Rea did a decent job in an unexpected appearance: 3.1 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 4 K, and 1 BB.
• Carson Kelly had a pair of singles on Friday.

Bottom Line

Horton being out long-term would be a big blow, but it does not mean the season is over. Justin Steele went down for the season at almost the same point in 2025 and Chicago went on to have a playoff run. Obviously, it would be better if it’s something minor, but they do have the depth to survive at least one major pitching injury.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Saturday night at 6:15pm CT. Shōta Imanaga goes up against Slade Cecconi in a contest available on FOX with a radio feed on The Score.