Newly-named All-Star Matthew Boyd dominates the Cardinals as the Cubs cruise to an 11-0 win on July 7, 2025. See how Boyd's 9 K's led the rivalry rout.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a difference a day makes. Hours after being named to his first-ever All-Star team, Matthew Boyd took the mound at Wrigley Field and delivered a performance for the ages, carving up the St. Louis Cardinals in an 11-0 masterpiece. The dominant outing, combined with an offensive explosion, sealed a crucial series win against their arch-rivals and capped a perfect holiday weekend on the North Side.
Hours after being named a first-time All-Star, Matthew Boyd struck out nine Cardinals over five shutout innings, lowering his ERA to a sparkling 2.52.
It was the kind of storybook moment fans dream of. Matthew Boyd, the Cubs' breakout ace of 2025, received his first All-Star nod Sunday afternoon. He celebrated by going out and proving exactly why he deserved it, mowing down the Cardinals with a season-best nine strikeouts over five scoreless frames. Boyd allowed just three hits, completely baffling St. Louis hitters and lowering his ERA to a phenomenal 2.52. His performance was the anchor for a pitching staff that has become a surprising strength for the first-place Cubs.
While Boyd handled business on the mound, the Cubs' offense made sure he had plenty of support. The bats came alive early and never let up, scoring in each of the first five innings. Nico Hoerner was the catalyst, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and finishing just a home run shy of the cycle. Trade acquisition Kyle Tucker continued to pay dividends, breaking the game open in the second with a bases-loaded, two-run single. By the end, the box score was a lopsided 11-0, with the Cubs going an impressive 5-for-18 with runners in scoring position.
While Boyd celebrated his selection, Seiya Suzuki channeled his All-Star snub into pure power. Left off the roster despite a stellar season, Suzuki responded the best way he knew how: by launching his 25th home run of the year into the Wrigley bleachers. He finished the day 2-for-5, reminding everyone of his status as one of the most dangerous hitters in the lineup. If the league needed a memo about his value, consider that towering home run a message delivered.
This dominant series win solidifies the Cubs' position atop the NL Central, but the front office isn't resting on its laurels. With the trade deadline looming, reports indicate the team is actively seeking another starting pitcher to bolster the rotation for a deep postseason run. The beauty of their situation lies in the farm system. Despite dealing top prospect Cam Smith for Kyle Tucker, the system remains loaded with seven Top 100 prospects. This depth, particularly with position players nearly ready in Triple-A, gives the Cubs the currency to acquire the final pieces needed for a championship chase.
The Cubs are firing on all cylinders. They have a new All-Star in Matthew Boyd, an offense that can erupt at any moment, and a clear vision for the trade deadline. As they head into the All-Star break, the message from this weekend is clear: this team isn't just a contender, they're a force to be reckoned with. The focus now shifts from celebrating a series win to making the moves that could bring a World Series back to Wrigleyville.
