The Chicago Cubs decisively defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 8-0 on Wednesday night, snapping a three-game losing streak. Ian Happ led the charge with a leadoff home run and three RBIs, while Matthew Boyd delivered a stellar performance, pitching six scoreless innings. The Cubs’ offense was further bolstered by home runs from Reese McGuire and Kyle Tucker, showcasing a dominant display of power and pitching.
Cubs Offense Explodes
The Cubs’ bats came alive, highlighted by multiple home runs and timely hitting. The scoring began early and continued throughout the game, demonstrating a strong offensive rebound.
Ian Happ’s leadoff home run set the tone, marking his 10th career leadoff homer and third of the season. He has hit nine of his 12 home runs this season in a 19-game stretch since June 5.
Reese McGuire hit his fifth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the second inning, extending the Cubs’ lead to 4-0.
Kyle Tucker added to the home run tally with his 16th of the season in the third inning.
Dansby Swanson doubled and scored on Michael Busch’s RBI single in the second inning.
Happ drove in two more runs with a single in the fourth inning.
Boyd’s Dominant Outing
Matthew Boyd delivered a masterful performance on the mound, stifling the Cardinals’ offense and earning his seventh win of the season.
Boyd pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only three hits.
He struck out three batters and did not issue any walks.
This marks Boyd’s sixth consecutive start allowing two or fewer runs.
Bullpen Shuts Down Cardinals
The Cubs’ bullpen continued Boyd’s strong performance, combining for three scoreless innings to secure the team’s seventh shutout of the season.
Ryan Brasier, Michael Fulmer, and Porter Hodge collectively pitched three scoreless innings of relief.
Cardinals’ Struggles
The St. Louis Cardinals’ offense struggled to generate any momentum against the Cubs’ pitching, and their starting pitcher, Erick Fedde, had a difficult outing.
Erick Fedde allowed a season-high seven runs on eight hits and three walks in just 3 2/3 innings.
The Cardinals managed only four hits throughout the entire game.
Key Statistics
Team
Runs
Hits
Errors
Cubs
8
11
0
Cardinals
0
4
0
The Cubs are the only team in the National League and one of three major league teams (along with the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros) who have not had a four-game losing streak this season.
This game marked the Cubs’ 18th game with at least three home runs this season, the most by any team in MLB.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs will activate LHP Shota Imanaga from the injured list for his first start since May 4. The Cardinals will counter with RHP Andre Pallante in the final game of the four-game series on Thursday.
Sources:
Happ hits leadoff HR, Boyd tosses 6 innings to help the Cubs beat the Cardinals 8-0, wdtimes.com.
Happ hits leadoff HR, Boyd tosses 6 innings to help the Cubs beat the Cardinals 8-0, Toronto Star.
Cubs 8, Cardinals 0: Now that’s more like it, Yahoo Sports.
MLB: Happ hits leadoff HR, Boyd tosses 6 innings to help the Cubs beat the Cardinals, TelegraphHerald.com.
Cubs 8, Cardinals 0 – Ozark Radio News, Ozark Radio News.
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