The Red Sox offense vanished in a 4-1 loss to the Cubs on July 20, 2025, wasting a strong start by Garrett Crochet and extending Boston's losing streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The friendly confines of Wrigley Field felt anything but for the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. A strong start from Garrett Crochet was squandered as the offense went into hibernation, managing just a single run in a 4-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs. The defeat capped a frustrating series and extended Boston's losing streak to three games, putting a damper on what was shaping up to be a competitive month.
Boston's offense, which averages 5.0 runs per game, was held to just a single tally in the 4-1 loss.
Garrett Crochet did his job, delivering a quality start that should have put the Red Sox in a position to win. Over six innings, he struck out seven Cubs and allowed just two runs on five hits. But the lineup couldn't provide any support. The team's only run came in the sixth inning on an RBI single from Wilyer Abreu. Ceddanne Rafaela was a lone bright spot, collecting two hits to raise his average to .271, but the rest of the order was quiet. Meanwhile, the Cubs' Michael Busch provided the key blow with a home run that helped his team secure the victory.
This loss stings more than just a single game in July. It drops the Red Sox to 53-47 and pushes them a full five games behind the division leaders in a tight AL East race. After showing flashes of being a contender, this three-game skid raises familiar questions about consistency. The offense, ranked 5th in the AL, has disappeared at a critical time, and the team can't afford to give away winnable games, especially with the trade deadline looming.
While the team struggled on the field, it was a quiet day off it. No roster moves, trade news, or major announcements came out of the front office. However, with the trade deadline just over a week away, this recent slump puts GM Craig Breslow in a tough spot. Does he push his chips in and acquire help for a playoff push, or does this inconsistency make him more cautious? The next week of games could very well determine the team's direction for the rest of the season.
The Red Sox will look to wash the taste of this sweep out of their mouths as they head home. Sunday was a stark reminder that solid pitching means little without run support. With the season now past its halfway point and the division race heating up, Boston needs to find its offensive rhythm and snap this losing streak fast, or risk watching their postseason hopes fade.
