Cubs Erupt for 28 Runs as Matthew Boyd Fans 9 in Series Win……
CHICAGO, IL — On a summer weekend marked by offensive fireworks and pitching brilliance, the Chicago Cubs delivered a dominant performance, taking two out of three games in their series and outscoring their opponent by a staggering 28 runs. At the heart of the excitement was veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd, who turned back the clock with a vintage outing, striking out nine in a game that showcased both poise on the mound and explosive support from his teammates.
The Cubs, fighting to climb back into contention in the National League Central, treated fans at Wrigley Field to a series filled with power hitting, aggressive baserunning, and clutch performances. In a time when consistency has eluded them, this series might just serve as the momentum-shifting moment the team has been desperately seeking.
Boyd’s Masterclass on the Mound
Returning to form after an injury-plagued 2023 season, Matthew Boyd delivered arguably his best start of the year in Game 2 of the series. The left-hander went six strong innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits while fanning nine. His sharp command of the strike zone and ability to mix speeds kept hitters off balance throughout the night.
“Everything felt right today,” Boyd said postgame. “Fastball command was key, and once we established that early, I was able to work in the changeup and slider. Credit goes to the guys behind me and behind the plate—they made it easy to just focus and execute.”
His nine strikeouts tied his season high, and his performance helped stabilize a pitching staff that has struggled with inconsistency.
Cubs’ Bats Come Alive
As strong as Boyd was on the mound, the Cubs’ offense was the real headline of the series. Over the three-game stretch, Chicago piled up 28 total runs, highlighted by two double-digit scoring games.
In Game 1, it was a relentless attack from top to bottom. The Cubs jumped out to an early lead thanks to a towering three-run homer from Christopher Morel in the first inning. From there, the lineup poured it on. Seiya Suzuki added a pair of doubles and drove in four, while Nico Hoerner went 3-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base, and two runs scored. The final score: Cubs 12, Opponent 5.
Game 2 saw Boyd’s brilliance complemented by another offensive outburst. Dansby Swanson broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth with a two-run shot to left-center, and the Cubs never looked back. Ian Happ added three hits and three RBI, while rookie Michael Busch notched his first career home run to cap a 9-2 win.
Though they dropped the final game 6-7 in a tight contest, the Cubs still managed to score seven more runs, showing that the bats hadn’t cooled off despite the loss.
A Statement Series
The series win, their third in four matchups, pushed the Cubs closer to .500 and sent a message to the rest of the National League that they aren’t going away quietly.
“This was the kind of series we needed,” said manager Craig Counsell. “We’ve talked about putting complete games together—pitching, defense, hitting—and I think this weekend we saw what happens when we do that. Boyd was phenomenal, the bullpen was sharp, and the offense… well, they were just lights out.”
Looking Ahead
With the trade deadline looming and playoff hopes still flickering, this kind of performance could influence the front office’s direction. Whether the Cubs position themselves as buyers or sellers could depend heavily on their next few series.
As for Boyd, his return to form couldn’t have come at a better time—for both him and the team. If he continues pitching like this, he could become a key piece in a second-half playoff push or a valuable trade chip if the front office decides to rebuild.
Regardless of what the future holds, the Cubs’ dominant display this weekend reminded fans and foes alike: when this team is firing on all cylinders, they’reas dangerous as anyone in baseball.