The Chicago Cubs secured a historic 6–4 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night, April 24, 2026, marking their tenth consecutive win in a season that is rapidly becoming a masterclass in resilience and tactical execution. In a high-stakes matchup at Dodger Stadium, the North Siders overcame an early four-run deficit, silencing the home crowd through a combination of elite relief pitching and a late-inning offensive explosion led by Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman.

Final Score and Immediate Impact

The final score of 6–4 tells only part of the story. For a team that trailed 4–0 heading into the later frames against one of the most formidable rotations in baseball, this win signifies a cultural shift in the clubhouse under manager Craig Counsell. The victory moves Counsell to 899 career wins, placing him on the precipice of a major milestone, while the Cubs remain the hottest team in Major League Baseball.

Key Game Stats at a Glance

  • Final Score: Cubs 6, Dodgers 4
  • Winning Pitcher: Ryan Rolison (1–0)
  • Losing Pitcher: Tanner Scott (0–1)
  • Save: Corbin Martin (1)
  • Winning Streak: 10 Games
  • Standings Impact: Chicago strengthens its lead in the NL Central.

Anatomy of the Comeback: How the Cubs Flipped the Script

The game began as a nightmare for Chicago. Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan was nearly untouchable in the early stages, striking out seven of the first nine batters he faced. The Dodgers’ offense took advantage of this dominance, building a 4–0 lead by the fourth inning.

The damage started in the third when Dodgers catcher Will Smith launched a massive three-run home run with two outs. This was followed by an RBI single from Hyeseong Kim in the fourth, scoring Freddie Freeman. At that point, the win probability for the Cubs plummeted to less than 12%. However, the resilience that has defined this 10-game streak began to surface in the seventh inning.

The Seventh Inning Spark

The momentum shifted when Chicago finally chased Sheehan and forced the Dodgers to turn to their bullpen. Facing Alex Vesia, the Cubs' bats woke up. With two outs and two runners on, Dansby Swanson delivered a clutch two-run triple to center field, cutting the lead in half. Moments later, Nico Hoerner followed with an RBI single, bringing the score to 4–3. The "never-say-die" attitude was palpable, and the pressure shifted entirely to Los Angeles.

Bregman Ties the Knot

In the top of the eighth inning, Alex Bregman, who has been a steadying veteran presence since joining the Cubs, led off with a solo shot against Blake Treinen. The 410-foot blast into the left-field bleachers was Bregman’s fourth of the season, effectively resetting the game at 4–4. The Cubs' dugout was electric, sensing that the Dodgers' bullpen was beginning to fray under the pressure of Chicago’s relentless approach.

Dansby Swanson and the Heroics of the Ninth

While several players contributed to the rally, Friday night belonged to Dansby Swanson. Batting from the number nine spot—a tactical decision by Counsell that has yielded high dividends—Swanson finished the night with four RBIs and two crucial hits.

With the game tied 4–4 in the top of the ninth, Pete Crow-Armstrong led off with a sharp single. This set the stage for Swanson. Facing southpaw Tanner Scott, Swanson displayed incredible plate discipline, working the count before identifying a 98-mph fastball on the inner half of the plate. He launched a 413-foot, tiebreaking two-run home run into the left-field pavilion.

This blast did more than just put the Cubs ahead 6–4; it demoralized a Dodgers team that had led for nearly the entire evening. Swanson’s ability to perform in high-leverage situations has been the backbone of this winning streak, proving why the organization views him as the definitive leader of the infield.

Shutting the Door: Pitching and Defense

A comeback is only successful if the pitching staff can hold the line. Ryan Rolison provided three masterful innings of scoreless relief, earning his first win of the season. Rolison neutralized the heart of the Dodgers' order, including Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, who combined for an uncharacteristic 0-for-8 night.

In the ninth inning, Corbin Martin was tasked with securing his first save. Despite the pressure of facing the top of the Dodgers' lineup, Martin retired the side in order. His performance highlighted a Cubs bullpen that has undergone a complete transformation. Over the last ten games, Chicago’s relievers have posted a collective ERA under 1.80, a statistic that explains how they have managed to close out close games repeatedly.

Neutralizing the Dodgers' Big Three

One of the most impressive aspects of this victory was how the Cubs handled the Dodgers’ superstars. Shohei Ohtani struck out three times, looking visibly frustrated by the mix of off-speed pitches and high-velocity fastballs thrown by Rolison and the starter. Kyle Tucker, facing his former teammate Alex Bregman, also went hitless, further illustrating the Cubs' successful scouting and execution on the mound.

The Magnitude of a Ten-Game Winning Streak

Winning ten games in a row in the modern era of baseball is an anomaly. The Cubs have outscored their opponents 57–22 during this stretch, a run that includes a sweep of the Phillies and dominant performances against divisional rivals.

What is Driving the Success?

  1. Situational Hitting: The Cubs are currently leading the league in batting average with runners in scoring position (RISP) during this streak.
  2. Defensive Range: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s ability to take away extra-base hits in center field has saved an estimated five runs over the last week.
  3. Rotation Stability: While the bullpen gets the glory for the saves, the starters—led by Shota Imanaga and Colin Rea—have consistently pitched into the sixth inning, preventing "bullpen fatigue."
  4. Managerial IQ: Craig Counsell’s aggressive use of pinch-hitters and defensive substitutions has consistently put the team in a position to win.

The "Counsell Effect" and Milestone Watch

As Craig Counsell approaches 900 career wins, the narrative around his move to Chicago has shifted from controversy to admiration. His ability to manage a diverse roster—blending young speedsters like Crow-Armstrong with veterans like Bregman and Swanson—has created a cohesive unit. The Friday night victory was a "Counsell Win" in every sense: a slow start followed by methodical pressure and late-inning tactical mastery.

The Cubs are not just winning; they are winning with a specific brand of baseball that emphasizes baserunning and high-contact hitting. In an era dominated by "three true outcomes" (home run, walk, or strikeout), Chicago’s ability to manufacture runs through triples and sacrifice flies is refreshing and, more importantly, effective.

Looking Ahead: The Battle of the Aces

The Cubs do not have much time to celebrate. They are scheduled to face the Dodgers again on Saturday, April 25, in what is being billed as the pitching matchup of the month.

RHP Colin Rea (3–0, 3.00 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago, looking to continue his perfect start to the season. He faces a daunting task against RHP Roki Sasaki (0–2, 6.11 ERA). Despite Sasaki’s early-season struggles with ERA, his "splitter" remains one of the most feared pitches in the world. If the Cubs can extend the streak to eleven, it will likely require another patient offensive performance to wear down Sasaki early.

Projected Lineup for Saturday

  • Ian Happ (LF)
  • Seiya Suzuki (RF)
  • Alex Bregman (3B)
  • Cody Bellinger (DH)
  • Michael Busch (1B)
  • Nico Hoerner (2B)
  • Dansby Swanson (SS)
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF)
  • Miguel Amaya (C)

Analyzing the NL Central Standings

This 10-game surge has significantly altered the landscape of the National League Central. With the Brewers and Cardinals both hovering near .500, the Cubs have carved out a substantial lead. Statistical models now give Chicago a 78% chance of winning the division, a massive jump from the 42% projection on Opening Day.

The key will be maintaining health. With the pitching staff operating at peak efficiency, the return of players like Justin Steele from the IL in the coming weeks could make this team virtually unbeatable in a five-game series.

Tactical Breakdown: The Swanson 9th Inning Home Run

From an analytical perspective, Swanson's ninth-inning home run was a masterpiece of "pitch tracking." Tanner Scott is known for a slider-fastball combination that tunnels effectively. In our observation of the sequence, Swanson took a first-pitch slider that just missed the zone. This forced Scott to rely on his four-seamer to get back ahead. Swanson, anticipating the heat, shortened his swing. The result was an exit velocity of 106 mph and a launch angle of 28 degrees—the "goldilocks zone" for home runs at Dodger Stadium.

Summary of the Cubs vs Dodgers Game (April 24, 2026)

The Chicago Cubs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4 on Friday night. Despite trailing 4-0 early on, the Cubs rallied with a two-run triple by Dansby Swanson in the 7th and a solo home run by Alex Bregman in the 8th to tie the game. Swanson then delivered a decisive two-run home run in the 9th inning to secure the win. This victory marks the Cubs' 10th consecutive win, the longest active streak in MLB. The win went to Ryan Rolison in relief, with Corbin Martin earning the save.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the Cubs score today?

The Chicago Cubs beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4 on Friday night, April 24, 2026. This was the final score reported early Saturday morning.

Who hit the home runs for the Cubs against the Dodgers?

Alex Bregman hit a game-tying solo home run in the 8th inning, and Dansby Swanson hit a tiebreaking two-run home run in the 9th inning.

How long is the Cubs winning streak?

As of April 25, 2026, the Chicago Cubs have won 10 consecutive games.

Who is pitching for the Cubs in the next game?

RHP Colin Rea is scheduled to start for the Cubs on Saturday, April 25, against Roki Sasaki of the Dodgers.

What is Craig Counsell's win count?

Following the 6-4 win over the Dodgers, Craig Counsell has 899 career managerial victories.

How did Shohei Ohtani perform in the game?

Shohei Ohtani went hitless, striking out three times and drawing one walk against the Cubs' pitching staff on Friday night.

What is the current standing of the Cubs in the NL Central?

The Cubs are currently in first place in the NL Central, having extended their lead significantly during their 10-game winning streak.