Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton (22) throws the ball against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Wrigley Field on Aug. 6. David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs Rookie Joins Rare History of Last 30 Years in Latest Gem

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Brady Farkas | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 8:51 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-1 on Wednesday night at Rogers Centre. With the win, Chicago is 68-51, while the loss dropped the Jays to 70-51. Both teams are currently in playoff position.

Cubs' rookie Cade Horton was the story, as he gave up just one run through 5.2 innings. The former top prospect is now 7-3 with a 3.07 ERA. He struck out eight against just two walks, and he also joined a rare group in baseball history.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

Longest scoreless innings streaks at age 23 or younger, wild card era:

2011 Craig Kimbrel: 37 2/3 IP
2006 Cla Meredith: 33 2/3 IP
2016 Michael Fulmer: 33 1/3 IP
2025 Cade Horton: 28 1/3 IP

h/t @EliasSports

Longest scoreless innings streaks at age 23 or younger, wild card era:

2011 Craig Kimbrel: 37 2/3 IP
2006 Cla Meredith: 33 2/3 IP
2016 Michael Fulmer: 33 1/3 IP
2025 Cade Horton: 28 1/3 IP

h/t @EliasSports https://t.co/pPG60BgW75
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 14, 2025

Through 85 innings, Horton has struck out 67 batters and posted a WHIP of 1.18. He has a 1.13 ERA over his last seven outings and looks like he could be a solid rotation option for manager Craig Counsell in the playoffs. He'd likely pair with Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga in a rotation, though Jameson Taillon could be an option if healthy.

Offensively, Horton was backed by Michael Busch and Matt Shaw, who each hit solo home runs. Nico Hoerner registered a multi-hit game.

Kevin Gausman was the tough-luck loser for Toronto, as he gave up two earned runs on three hits. He tossed seven innings, but fell to 8-9 on the year.

The two teams will play again on Thursday afternoon with first pitch coming at 3:07 p.m. ET. Future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer will pitch for Toronto while All-Star Matthew Boyd will go for Chicago.

Boyd is 11-5 with a 2.45 ERA this season.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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