Seiya Suzuki's 3-run homer led the Cubs to a 4-1 win over the Red Sox on July 18, snapping Boston's 10-game streak. See how the Cubs proved they're all-in.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Wrigley Field was electric on Friday night as the Chicago Cubs didn't just beat the Boston Red Sox; they emphatically snapped their 10-game winning streak with a 4-1 victory. The message was sent in the very first inning, courtesy of a towering three-run homer from Seiya Suzuki, proving that the NL Central-leading Cubs are a force to be reckoned with as the postseason race heats up.
With a 58-39 record and a one-game lead in the NL Central, Cubs President Jed Hoyer confirmed the team will be buyers at the July 31 trade deadline.
The game was practically decided before many fans had settled into their seats. After Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito issued back-to-back walks to open the bottom of the first, Seiya Suzuki stepped up and crushed his 26th home run of the season into the bleachers. That single swing provided all the offense the Cubs would truly need. In a testament to his value, Suzuki was the lone Cub to record a multi-hit game, finishing 2-for-4 and cementing his status as one of the league's most dangerous hitters.
While Suzuki provided the thunder, the pitching staff provided the grit. Starter Colin Rea navigated a tightrope, issuing a season-high four walks but limiting the damage to a single run over five crucial innings to earn his fourth straight win. His biggest moment came when he struck out Carlos Narváez with two runners on in the third, squashing a potential rally. From there, the bullpen was nails. Brad Keller tossed a perfect eighth, and Daniel Palencia slammed the door for his 13th save, shutting down a lineup that had seemed invincible for over a week.
The victory served as the perfect backdrop for the day's biggest off-field news. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer officially declared the Cubs are 'buyers' as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. With injuries sidelining Justin Steele for the season and Jameson Taillon for several more weeks, the front office is prioritizing starting pitching. Additional targets include bullpen reinforcements and a power-hitting third baseman to solidify the lineup for a deep playoff run.
Making a major trade requires major assets, and the Cubs have them in spades. Despite dealing Cam Smith in the Kyle Tucker trade, the organization still boasts seven prospects in MLB's Top 100, tied for the most in baseball. Farm director Jason Kanzler praised the system's depth, particularly at the upper levels, which gives Hoyer the flexibility to either pull off a blockbuster deal with a team like the White Sox or promote from within. This combination of big-league success and prospect capital puts the Cubs in an enviable position to make a significant splash.
Friday's win was more than just another tally in the standings; it was a statement of intent. The Cubs proved they can beat the league's best, and now the front office is poised to add the final pieces for a championship push. With the deadline looming and the team firing on all cylinders, the next two weeks in Chicago promise to be as exciting as any ninth inning at the Friendly Confines.
