Cubs Triumph, Boyd Shines
Matthew Boyd Blanks Orioles Over Six Innings, Cubs Secure 5-2 Win and Wild Card Lead
Matthew Boyd returned from injury and delivered a gem. The Chicago Cubs right-hander threw six shutout innings on Tuesday, leading Chicago to a 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles, according to AP News.
The victory tightens the Cubs' hold on first place in the NL wild card race. Chicago has now won 11 of its last 14 games, Newsday reported.
Boyd Dominates in First Start Back From Knee Injury
Boyd had been sidelined for seven weeks with a knee injury. He returned to the rotation on June 25. Since then, he has been nearly untouchable, according to AP News.
In six innings Tuesday, Boyd allowed just three hits and struck out seven. He did not allow a single run. He is now 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA since coming back, WRAL reported. That ERA means he gives up fewer than two runs per nine innings — an excellent mark.
Amaya Scores Three Times as Cubs Offense Does Its Part
Catcher Miguel Amaya was the offensive star. He crossed home plate three times in the game. Alex Bregman also contributed, driving in two runs, according to Newsday.
The Cubs scored five runs total. The Orioles managed just two. Chicago's offense gave Boyd more than enough support to earn the win, Yahoo Sports noted.
Rain Delay Holds Up Game for Nearly an Hour
The game did not start on time. A rain threat caused a 56-minute delay before first pitch. In the end, no rain ever fell, according to AP News.
Despite the long wait, Boyd looked sharp once the game began. The delay did not seem to affect him or the Cubs at all. Chicago took control early and never looked back.
Cubs Strengthen Grip on NL Wild Card Standings
Chicago's 11 wins in its last 14 games have been a strong stretch. The Cubs now sit firmly at the top of the NL wild card standings, Winnipeg Free Press reported.
Boyd's return has been a big boost to a Cubs rotation that needed him. If he keeps pitching at this level, Chicago will be hard to stop as the season moves deeper into summer.
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