Wilyer Abreu's two homers powered the Red Sox past the Cubs 6-1 on July 20, 2025, avoiding a sweep. Alex Bregman also homered in his return to the lineup.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the Red Sox were heading for a long, quiet flight home from Chicago, Wilyer Abreu decided to rewrite the script. Facing a sweep at the hands of the Cubs, Abreu launched two massive home runs at Wrigley Field, powering Boston to a desperately needed 6-1 victory and reminding everyone of the explosive potential this lineup holds.
Wilyer Abreu's second homer, a 391-foot shot, marked his 20th of the season, cementing his status as a key power source in the Red Sox lineup.
The Red Sox offense was quiet for most of the afternoon, trailing 1-0 into the 7th inning. Then Wilyer Abreu stepped up. He demolished a pitch for a go-ahead, two-run homer that traveled 406 feet, breathing life back into the Boston dugout. But he wasn't done. After the Sox blew the game open in the 8th, Abreu added an insurance run with a solo shot, his 20th of the year. The second blast was a 391-foot missile with a 106.7 mph exit velocity, a pure display of power that left no doubt.
As crucial as Abreu's homers were, the game was truly put out of reach in the 8th inning by a familiar face. Alex Bregman, recently activated from the injured list, showed exactly what the team has been missing. With Ceddanne Rafaela and Jarren Duran on base, Bregman crushed a three-run homer that extended the lead to 5-1. It was a clutch, game-breaking hit that provided the pitching staff with all the breathing room they needed. Having his veteran presence and potent bat back in the middle of the order is a massive boost.
While the late-inning heroics stole the headlines, the Red Sox pitching staff deserves credit for keeping the team in the game. Boston's starter battled to hold a tough Cubs lineup to just a single run, giving the offense a chance to wake up. To close it out, Jorge Alcala was dominant in the ninth, striking out Justin Turner on a nasty 84.3 mph curveball to end the game. It was a complete team effort to secure the win and build some momentum.
This win was more than just another number in the standings; it was a statement. By avoiding the sweep, the Red Sox (now 54-47) showed resilience and the kind of power that can win games in bunches. With the trade deadline looming, performances like this from Abreu and a healthy Bregman make the front office's decisions that much more interesting. Now, the team heads home looking to build on this momentum and make a real push in the tight AL East race.
