Wed Apr 16 11:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Cubs Bullpen Shuts Down Padres in 10-Inning Thriller
**SAN DIEGO, CA** – The Chicago Cubs snapped the San Diego Padres’ home undefeated streak Tuesday night with a thrilling 2-1 victory in 10 innings, a win fueled by a stellar performance from their beleaguered bullpen. While Nico Hoerner’s game-winning triple in the 10th provided the dramatic highlight, the real story was the Cubs’ relief pitching, which allowed just one hit over five scoreless innings after starter Shota Imanaga pitched five strong innings.
The victory comes after a difficult period for the Cubs’ bullpen. Monday saw an 10-4 loss where the bullpen surrendered eight runs, including four charged to Eli Morgan, who was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a right elbow impingement. The team also optioned Nate Pearson to Triple-A Iowa prior to the game. Pearson and Morgan had combined to allow 20 earned runs in just 16 innings. In their place, the Cubs recalled Daniel Palencia and Luke Little.
Despite their recent struggles – including ranking 25th in ERA and 27th in strikeout-minus-walk rate – the bullpen delivered a masterful performance Tuesday. Palencia, Julian Merryweather, Porter Hodge, and Ryan Pressly combined to allow only one hit and strike out four batters across innings six through nine. Caleb Thielbar then secured the save in the 10th, despite the automatic runner on second, by striking out pinch-hitters Connor Joe and Elias Diaz, before strategically walking Fernando Tatis Jr. to end the game.
“That was the real story of the game,” Hoerner said, emphasizing the team’s collective effort. Manager Craig Counsell echoed the sentiment, praising the “heck of a job” performed by every reliever. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged the bullpen’s recent inconsistencies but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to work through the challenges. The win offers a much-needed boost of confidence for a bullpen in need of a turnaround.
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