Cubs Kick Off 2025 Season with a Thrilling Home Opener Win at Wrigley Field

April 06, 2025 – The Chicago Cubs ushered in the 2025 season at Wrigley Field with a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on April 4, in front of a packed house at the Friendly Confines. The win, which marked the Cubs’ first home game after an international start in Tokyo, Japan, set an optimistic tone for a fanbase eager to see their team return to playoff contention. With Shota Imanaga’s dominant performance on the mound and timely hitting from Justin Turner and Nico Hoerner, the Cubs gave their loyal supporters plenty to cheer about on a chilly afternoon in Chicago. Let’s break down the significance of this win and what it means for the Cubs’ 2025 campaign.

A Perfect Start at the Friendly Confines

The Cubs’ home opener on April 4 was more than just a game—it was a celebration of baseball’s return to Chicago’s North Side. After starting their season with a two-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo on March 18-19, followed by road trips to face the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Athletics in Sacramento, the Cubs finally returned to Wrigley Field. The team entered the game with a 5-4 record, having won their last three games against the Athletics, but the Padres presented a tougher challenge, coming into the matchup undefeated at 7-0.

Wrigley Field was buzzing with energy as 40,000 fans filled the stands, braving temperatures in the 40s and a chance of rain. The pregame festivities set the tone, featuring a USAF C-130 Hercules flyover by the 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard, a flag presentation by Cubs Season Ticket Holders, and performances of “God Bless America” by Chicago native Alleece Baker and the national anthem by John Vincent. Cubs Hall of Famers threw out the ceremonial first pitch and later sang the seventh-inning stretch, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere that makes Wrigley Field so special.

On the field, the Cubs delivered a performance that matched the occasion. Shota Imanaga, named the Opening Day starter back in February, was electric, pitching 7.1 scoreless innings and allowing just three hits while striking out six. His command was sharp, and he navigated a potent Padres lineup with ease, setting the stage for the Cubs’ victory. In the ninth inning, the Cubs held a 3-1 lead, thanks to RBI contributions from Justin Turner and Nico Hoerner, as well as Ian Happ’s two hits and two runs scored. Closer Ryan Pressly made things interesting by allowing two baserunners, but he escaped the jam to secure the save, giving the Cubs a 6-4 record and their fourth straight win.

Key Performances and Strategic Implications

Imanaga’s outing was a statement for a Cubs team looking to establish itself as a contender in the National League Central. The left-hander, who had a solid rookie season in 2024, showed why the Cubs entrusted him with the Opening Day nod. His ability to go deep into the game—7.1 innings—eased the burden on a bullpen that has been a point of concern in recent years. The Cubs’ relief corps, which saw changes in the offseason with the firing of bullpen coach Darren Holmes, held firm in the late innings, with Pressly’s save providing a much-needed boost of confidence.

Offensively, the Cubs relied on timely hitting rather than power. Justin Turner, a veteran addition to the roster, drove in a run with a key single, while Nico Hoerner’s RBI groundout in the seventh inning gave the Cubs some breathing room. Ian Happ, a fan favorite, continued his strong start to the season, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored. The Cubs’ offense has shown signs of life early in 2025, with players like Seiya Suzuki, Kyle Tucker, and Dansby Swanson contributing in recent games. Posts on X have highlighted the fanbase’s excitement over the lineup’s depth, noting Tucker’s impact and Swanson’s offensive resurgence as key factors in the team’s early success.

The win over the Padres, a team expected to compete for a playoff spot in the National League, is a promising sign for the Cubs. San Diego’s lineup, featuring stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, is no easy task, and the Cubs’ ability to limit them to just one run speaks to their pitching and defensive improvements. Manager Craig Counsell, now in his second year with the team, has emphasized a balanced approach, and this game showcased that philosophy—strong starting pitching, opportunistic hitting, and just enough relief work to close it out.

Wrigley Field’s New Additions Enhance the Fan Experience

The 2025 home opener wasn’t just about the action on the field; it also marked the debut of several new features at Wrigley Field aimed at enhancing the fan experience. The Cubs introduced a new Blues Alternate uniform, which made its debut on April 5 during the second game of the series against the Padres—a 7-1 Cubs win that extended their streak to five games. The uniform, presented by motorola razr, pays tribute to Chicago’s electric blues movement, and fans can purchase it at the new “Landmark Records” retail experience in Gallagher Way, which celebrates Wrigley Field’s status as a federal landmark and a world-class music venue.

Food options at Wrigley Field also got a major upgrade for 2025. The Marquee Classics concession stand near section 117 now features a rotating menu with 50 dishes throughout the season, curated with hospitality partner Levy. For the first homestand from April 4-9, fans enjoyed items like a Jibarito Sandwich with roast beef and fried plantains, a plant-based Kimchi Burger, Sticky Pork Bao Buns, and Chili Lime Fries with Tajín seasoning. These offerings celebrate Chicago’s diverse culinary scene, complementing staples like Home Run Inn pizza and Vienna Beef hot dogs. Additionally, three new self-service markets with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology were added near sections 108, 115, and 119, allowing fans to grab snacks and drinks without waiting in line.

The Cubs also introduced “The Yard,” a new outdoor rental space in the Budweiser Bleachers above the batter’s eye in center field. Designed to feel like a backyard, The Yard offers high-top seating, unlimited drinks, and a ballpark meal for groups of four to 50 guests, making it a unique option for fans looking to elevate their game-day experience. These enhancements reflect the Cubs’ commitment to keeping Wrigley Field a premier destination, even as the team focuses on building a winner on the field.

What This Win Means for the Cubs’ 2025 Season

The Cubs’ 3-1 victory over the Padres in their home opener is a small but significant step in their quest to return to the postseason. After finishing 2024 with an 83-79 record—second in the NL Central but 10 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year—the Cubs made several changes in the offseason. The firing of hitting coach Jim Adduci, first base coach Mike Napoli, and bullpen coach Darren Holmes signaled a desire for a fresh start, and the promotion of Dustin Kelly to hitting coach has already shown early dividends with the team’s improved offensive output.

The Cubs’ early 6-4 record, bolstered by a five-game winning streak as of April 5, suggests they could be a dark horse in the NL Central. The division is wide open, with the Brewers losing key pieces and the St. Louis Cardinals in transition. The Cubs’ schedule in April is challenging, with series against the Dodgers, Padres, and Texas Rangers, but their ability to handle tough opponents like the Padres bodes well for their chances. If Imanaga can continue to anchor the rotation and the offense maintains its momentum, the Cubs could find themselves in the playoff conversation by midseason.

For fans, the home opener was a reminder of what makes Wrigley Field so special—a packed house, a festive atmosphere, and a hard-fought win. As one fan, Randall Peterson, told NBC Chicago, “I’m here celebrating my 70th birthday here at Wrigley Field on opening day, can’t get any better.” With new uniforms, food options, and a team showing early promise, the Cubs have given their supporters plenty of reasons to believe that 2025 could be a memorable year at the Friendly Confines.