ST. LOUIS — The Chicago Cubs delivered a statement performance at Busch Stadium on June 25–26, shutting out the St. Louis Cardinals 8–0 in a complete team effort fueled by ace-level pitching and timely offense.
“It was one of those nights where everything clicked,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said after the game. “Boyd set the tone, and the bats followed.”
Matthew Boyd Shines Bright: 6 Scoreless Innings, 3 Hits, 0 Walks
Veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd was electric on the mound, tossing six shutout innings while scattering just three hits and issuing no walks. Boyd struck out seven and retired 10 of the last 11 batters he faced, showcasing pinpoint command and a devastating changeup.
“He was surgical,” said catcher Reese McGuire. “We had a plan going in and he executed it beautifully. It felt like we were always in control.”
This performance marked Boyd’s best outing since returning from the injured list in early June, and it came at a crucial moment for a Cubs team trying to end a three-game skid.
Ian Happ Sets the Tone Early
The Cubs wasted no time on offense. Ian Happ opened the scoring in the first inning with a two-run homer into the right-field seats, immediately quieting the St. Louis crowd. He would finish the game 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs, reaching base four times.
Happ has now homered in back-to-back games and is batting .340 over his last 15 contests — a surge that has helped stabilize the top of Chicago’s lineup.
Power Surge: Tucker and McGuire Join the Party
The Cubs’ offense didn’t stop with Happ. Kyle Tucker launched a solo homer in the fourth, and Reese McGuire added another in the sixth, extending the lead to 7–0. Chicago collected 11 hits in total and were 5-for-10 with runners in scoring position, a welcome turnaround from recent struggles.
“We got the big hits when we needed them,” said Tucker. “That’s the kind of offense we know we’re capable of.”
Defense and Bullpen Seal the Deal
After Boyd exited, the Cubs’ bullpen — led by José Cuas, Luke Little, and Keegan Thompson — held the Cardinals hitless over the final three innings, preserving the team’s seventh shutout win of the season.
Defensively, the Cubs were flawless, highlighted by a diving grab in left field by Mike Tauchman and a slick double play turned by Hoerner and Swanson in the fifth.
Turning the Tide?
This emphatic victory not only snapped the Cubs’ losing streak but also sent a clear message to their division rivals. At 38–40, Chicago is now looking to build momentum heading into the second half of the season.
“We know we haven’t played our best baseball yet,” said Counsell. “But tonight showed what we can do when we put it all together.”
📌 Key Stats:
Matthew Boyd: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
Ian Happ: 3-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB
Cubs offense: 11 H, 3 HR, 5-for-10 RISP
Team shutouts: 7 in 2025 (T-3rd in MLB)
Next up: The Cubs and Cardinals face off one final time on Thursday to wrap up this four-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 PM CT.