Cubs Deal Guardians 5th Straight Loss
Introduction to the Game
CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd pitched seven sharp innings for his eighth win, Seiya Suzuki cracked his team-leading 23rd homer and the Chicago Cubs topped the sliding Cleveland Guardians 5-2 on Tuesday night.
Game Highlights
Carson Kelly doubled twice with a sac fly for three RBIs. Michael Busch went 3-for-3 and drove in a run to help NL Central-leading Chicago win its 50th game.
Carlos Santana had two hits, including his 400th career double, but Cleveland dropped its fifth straight.
Guardians’ Struggles Continue
The Guardians scored two runs in the fourth — ending a skid of 17 straight scoreless innings — on Nolan Jones’ RBI single and Angel Martínez’s sacrifice fly. Cleveland has scored in just two of its last 45 innings.
Pitching Performance
Boyd (8-3) allowed two runs on five hits with five strikeout and one walk. The left-hander finished by retiring 11 straight hitters before Brad Keller entered for the eighth.
Daniel Palencia struck out two in a perfect ninth for his ninth save.
Cleveland’s Gavin Williams (5-4) yielded four runs on seven hits and four walks.
Game Turning Points
The Cubs took a 3-0 lead in a quirky second on four straight hits.
Then Kelly was out at home when he tried to score from third after the ball got away from catcher Bo Naylor. Williams walked the next two hitters — Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw — but picked both off first.
After Cleveland cut it to 3-2 in the fourth, Suzuki hit his solo shot to left in the sixth.
Key Moment
It looked like Cleveland’s offense finally awakened in the fourth. But Boyd picked off Jones for the second out, then got Naylor to ground out.
Key Stat
Boyd tossed his 12th quality start in 17. He’s one win short of his career high of nine, reached with Detroit in 2018 and 2019
Up Next
Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (4-8, 3.80 ERA) faces Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (4-2, 2.54) on Wednesday.
Conclusion
The Chicago Cubs’ win over the Cleveland Guardians marked their 50th victory of the season, solidifying their lead in the NL Central. With Matthew Boyd’s impressive pitching and Seiya Suzuki’s team-leading 23rd homer, the Cubs are looking strong. Meanwhile, the Guardians are struggling to find their footing, having lost their fifth straight game.
FAQs
Q: Who pitched for the Cubs in their win over the Guardians?
A: Matthew Boyd pitched seven sharp innings for his eighth win.
Q: How many home runs does Seiya Suzuki have this season?
A: Seiya Suzuki has 23 home runs this season, leading the team.
Q: What is the Guardians’ current losing streak?
A: The Guardians have lost five straight games.
Q: Who will pitch for the Guardians in their next game against the Cubs?
A: Tanner Bibee will face the Cubs on Wednesday.
