The Cubs took a 1-0 lead in the first and extended it to 3-0 before the Padres scored two in the fourth. Carson Kelly’s solo homer in the fifth gave the Cubs a 5-4 edge, and a later run from B.J. Murray sealed a 6-5 victory. Shōta Imanaga made his first spring start, allowing three hits and striking out once while showing a noticeable uptick in velocity.
The win came on a warm February afternoon, with the Cubs’ timely hitting and solid pitching keeping the Padres from mounting a comeback. The game highlighted the Cubs’ offensive depth and Imanaga’s potential return to form.