Introduction to the Game
CHICAGO (AP) — Wilyer Abreu homered twice and drove in three runs, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Chicago Cubs 6-1 on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.
Game Highlights
Alex Bregman also connected as Boston rallied after managing just one run in its first two games after the All-Star break. Garrett Crochet (11-4) pitched six effective innings in his fourth consecutive win.
Turning Point of the Game
The Red Sox went ahead to stay when Trevor Story opened the seventh with a walk and Abreu hit a drive to right-center off Ryan Pressly (2-3) for his 19th homer.
Breaking the Game Open
Bregman broke it open with a pinch-hit shot off Drew Pomeranz for a three-run homer in the eighth. Abreu tacked on a two-out solo drive against Ethan Roberts.
Player Performance
It was Abreu’s fourth multihomer game of the season and No. 5 for his career. He hit a total of 17 homers in his first two years in the majors.
Team Performance
Boston improved to 12-3 in July. It had won 10 in a row going into the series.
Chicago’s Performance
Chicago wasted a sharp performance by Cade Horton, who pitched 5 2/3 innings of two-hit ball. The Cubs had won five of six.
Game Statistics
Crochet allowed eight hits in his first start since July 12. The All-Star left-hander struck out five and walked two.
Scoring
Chicago scored its only run in the second. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a leadoff double and Dansby Swanson followed with an infield single. After Crow-Armstrong was caught stealing third, Swanson raced home from second on Ian Happ’s single to right.
Key Moment
The Cubs threatened in the fifth, loading the bases with two down. But Crochet escaped the jam when he got Carson Kelly to bounce into a fielder’s choice.
Key Stat
The Red Sox improved to 13-14 against the Cubs since the start of interleague play in 1997.
Up Next
Red Sox: RHP Walker Buehler (6-6, 6.12 ERA) starts Monday night in the opener of a three-game series at Philadelphia. RHP Zack Wheeler (9-3, 2.36 ERA) goes for the Phillies.
Cubs: Stay at home for the opener of a three-game set against Kansas City on Monday night.
Conclusion
The Boston Red Sox successfully avoided a series sweep by the Chicago Cubs, thanks to Wilyer Abreu’s impressive performance, hitting two home runs and driving in three runs. This win marks a significant turning point for the Red Sox, who had been struggling after the All-Star break.
FAQs
Q: Who homered twice for the Boston Red Sox?
A: Wilyer Abreu homered twice for the Boston Red Sox.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score of the game was 6-1 in favor of the Boston Red Sox.
Q: Who pitched six effective innings for the Red Sox?
A: Garrett Crochet pitched six effective innings for the Red Sox.
Q: What is the Red Sox’s record against the Cubs since the start of interleague play in 1997?
A: The Red Sox have a 13-14 record against the Cubs since the start of interleague play in 1997.
