White Sox 8, Cubs 1: Remember, the Results Don't Matter, But Here's Why You Should Care
MESA, Arizona — The Cubs lost to the White Sox 8-1 in the first Spring Training game of 2026. But don't worry, wins and losses don't really matter until March 26. There were a few notable things that happened in this game, so let's take a closer look.
The game started with Austin Hays homering off Jameson Taillon in the top of the first. Taillon also served up another homer, a two-run job, in the second. While it's early to be concerned, pitchers often work on various things in spring outings and sometimes throw nothing but fastballs. However, Porter Hodge looked awful in the fourth inning, walking four batters and allowing a two-run double to new Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami. Thankfully, Grant Kipp induced an inning-ending double play.
Gavin Hollowell, who might be in the bullpen mix, struck out all three batters he faced in the sixth, including MLB hitters Hays and Murakami, and top Sox prospect Braden Montgomery. So Hollowell might be someone to watch going forward.
There were three ABS challenges in the game, all of which were made seamlessly and quickly by the players. This is exactly how the ABS challenge system is supposed to work, and once it's in place for regular-season games, you probably won't even notice. I would imagine there will be more challenges in Spring Training games than you'll see in the regular season so that players get used to doing it.
It was a gorgeous, though a bit coolish (60 degrees at game time) afternoon in Sloan Park, with the berm getting a bit crowded as folks from seats in the shade came to get some sunshine. Announced attendance was 14,419, about 1,000 short of a sellout. It's still very early, many people aren't on spring break or taking vacations yet, and I'd expect the crowds to get larger as the spring goes by.
Matthew Boyd will start Saturday afternoon at Sloan Park against the Rangers. Kumar Rocker will take the mound for Texas. Game time is again 2:05 p.m. CT. TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network and there will also be radio broadcasts via The Score as well as the Rangers radio network.
