Athletics Defeat Cubs 6-2 in Exciting Matchup
Friday, March 20, 2026, 9:10 PM ET · Hohokam Stadium
Athletics 6, Chicago Cubs 2, final. Our MLB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Chicago Cubs vs Athletics?
Athletics beat Chicago Cubs 6-2 at Hohokam Stadium on March 20, 2026.
In a decisive victory, the Athletics triumphed over the Chicago Cubs with a final score of 6-2 at Hohokam Stadium. This win not only secured the series for the Athletics, bringing the series record to 2-1, but also showcased their offensive power, particularly in the middle innings of the game. The Athletics improved their home record to 14-15 with this win, while the Cubs fell to 11-17 on the road.
The Athletics entered this matchup with a recent record of 6-4 over their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak prior to this victory. Their average runs scored during this stretch was 3.2, while they allowed an average of 3.3 runs per game. In contrast, the Cubs had a more favorable recent form, boasting a 5-5 record in their last ten games and riding a four-game winning streak into this contest. The Cubs averaged 5.3 runs scored and allowed 3.5 runs during their last ten games.
At home, the Athletics had a record of 4-1 in their last five games, scoring an average of 3.4 runs while allowing 3.8 runs. The Cubs, however, struggled on the road with a record of 1-4 in their last five away games, despite their recent overall success. This matchup marked an important moment for both teams as they sought to establish momentum in the early part of the season.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Athletics had lost their previous two encounters against the Cubs earlier in the 2025 season, with scores of 3-18 and 4-7. This game was crucial for the Athletics to turn the tide in their favor against a team that had previously dominated them.
Injury concerns were present for both teams heading into this game. The Athletics had several players on the injured list, including Tommy White, who was listed as day-to-day with a back issue, and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, Brooks Kriske, Nick Kurtz, and Shea Langeliers, all of whom were on the 60-day or 10-day injured list with various injuries. The Cubs also faced challenges, with Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list due to a finger injury and Shelby Miller on the 60-day injured list with an elbow issue. Jacob Webb and Pedro Ramirez were listed as day-to-day with arm and back injuries, respectively.
The market had priced the Athletics as the favorites to win this matchup, reflecting their home advantage and recent form. The conditions at Hohokam Stadium were favorable for play, contributing to an exciting atmosphere for fans and players alike.
As the game unfolded, the scoring began early, with Amaya of the Cubs hitting a home run in the first inning, giving Chicago an early lead. However, the Athletics responded in the fifth inning with a series of home runs from Muncy, Butler, and Langeliers, taking a commanding lead. The Cubs managed to add another run in the sixth inning with another home run from Amaya, but it was not enough to close the gap. The Athletics sealed their victory with additional runs in the eighth inning, showcasing their offensive depth and resilience.
This game highlighted the Athletics' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, particularly in the middle innings, and their pitching staff managed to contain the Cubs' offense effectively. Fans watching the game were treated to a display of power hitting and strategic plays, making it a memorable encounter in the early season.
Injury report
- Tommy WhiteDay-To-DayBackAthletics
- Joshua Kuroda-Grauer60-Day-ILGroinAthletics
- Brooks Kriske60-Day-ILShoulderAthletics
- Shea Langeliers10-Day-ILKneeAthletics
- Nick Kurtz60-Day-ILThumbAthletics
- Edward Cabrera15-Day-ILFingerChicago Cubs
- Shelby Miller60-Day-ILElbowChicago Cubs
- Jacob WebbDay-To-DayArmChicago Cubs
- Pedro RamirezDay-To-DayBackChicago Cubs
- Gavin Hollowell15-Day-ILShoulderChicago Cubs
Recent form
Athletics
Last 10: 6-4Streak L13.2 scored · 3.3 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L2-4vs Kansas City RoyalsSep 28
- W4-3vs Kansas City RoyalsSep 27
- W6-0vs Houston AstrosSep 25
- W5-1vs Houston AstrosSep 24
- L0-11at Pittsburgh PiratesSep 21
- L0-2at Pittsburgh PiratesSep 20
- W4-3at Pittsburgh PiratesSep 19
- W5-3at Boston Red SoxSep 18
- L4-5at Boston Red SoxSep 17
- W2-1at Boston Red SoxSep 16
Chicago Cubs
Last 10: 5-5Streak W45.3 scored · 3.5 allowed per game1-4 away
- W2-0vs St. Louis CardinalsSep 28
- W7-3vs St. Louis CardinalsSep 27
- W12-1vs St. Louis CardinalsSep 26
- W10-3vs New York MetsSep 25
- L7-9vs New York MetsSep 23
- L0-1at Cincinnati RedsSep 21
- L3-6at Cincinnati RedsSep 20
- L4-7at Cincinnati RedsSep 19
- L0-1at Cincinnati RedsSep 18
- W8-4at Pittsburgh PiratesSep 17
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | - | 53 | W2 | .621 | 87 |
| Chicago | 9 | 62 | L2 | .557 | 78 |
| St. Louis | 17 | 70 | W2 | .500 | 70 |
| Pittsburgh | 19 | 72 | L1 | .486 | 68 |
| Cincinnati | 20 | 73 | W2 | .479 | 67 |
| Houston | - | 69 | W1 | .507 | 71 |
| Texas | 2 | 71 | L1 | .493 | 69 |
| Seattle | 5 | 74 | W2 | .471 | 66 |
| Athletics | 17 | 86 | W1 | .386 | 54 |
| Los Angeles | 18 | 87 | L2 | .379 | 53 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Inning1-0Amaya homered to left.
- 5th Inning1-1Muncy homered to left center (401 feet).
- 5th Inning1-3Butler homered to left center (406 feet), Ibáñez scored.
- 5th Inning1-4Langeliers homered to left (424 feet).
- 6th Inning2-4Amaya homered to center (443 feet).
- 8th Inning2-5Ibáñez singled to right, Leary scored, Yamauchi to third.
- 8th Inning2-6Thomas hit sacrifice fly, Yamauchi scored, Thomas to first on fielding error by left fielder D. Alcantara, Brooks to third.
Win probability
Above the line favours Athletics, below favours Chicago Cubs.
Venue
- Hohokam StadiumMesa, Arizona
- Attendance6027
- OfficialsAlex Mackay, Jen Pawol, Adam Hamari, Chris Guccione
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