Cubs crush Red Sox 6-0 on July 20, 2025, with 5 HRs from Busch, Tucker & more. Shota Imanaga's 7 scoreless innings sealed the dominant series win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was home run derby at the Friendly Confines on Sunday as the Cubs launched five solo shots to blast the Boston Red Sox 6-0. The power display started immediately and never let up, backing another masterful performance from rookie sensation Shota Imanaga and securing a crucial series win that pushes the North Siders to a stellar 59-39 record on the season.
31-9: The Cubs' record in games where they hit at least two home runs this season.
The tone was set just two batters into the bottom of the first. Michael Busch, in his new role as leadoff man against righties, celebrated by launching his 20th homer of the year. Not to be outdone, Kyle Tucker stepped up next and sent his 18th into the bleachers for back-to-back jacks. The long ball parade continued with Matt Shaw (3rd HR), Pete Crow-Armstrong (8th HR), and Ian Happ (12th HR) all adding solo homers of their own, showcasing the lineup's depth and explosive potential.
While the offense was putting on a fireworks display, Shota Imanaga was putting on a pitching clinic. The left-hander was simply untouchable, spinning seven scoreless innings while scattering five hits and striking out five Red Sox batters. His ERA now sits at a sparkling 2.40, a figure that not only leads the team but puts him squarely in the conversation for National League Cy Young. Every time Imanaga takes the mound, it feels like an event, and he delivered yet another dominant chapter in his incredible rookie campaign.
The on-field success is being matched by strategic moves off of it. Manager Craig Counsell officially announced a new leadoff platoon, with Michael Busch batting first against right-handers and Nico Hoerner taking the top spot against lefties. Meanwhile, President Jed Hoyer is gearing up for the trade deadline, openly discussing the team's deep farm system as a major asset. With top prospects like Owen Caissie and Moisés Ballesteros thriving, and a surplus of MLB-ready talent at Triple-A, Hoyer has the ammunition to make a significant addition. As farm director Jason Kanzler noted, 'if we have lots of big league ready players in Triple-A, that helps us a lot.' The message is clear: the Cubs are looking to buy.
Twenty games over .500 with the trade deadline approaching, the Cubs are in an enviable position. The pitching is elite, the offense is proving it can be explosive, and the front office has the pieces to add another impact player for the stretch run. With Jed Hoyer signaling his intent to be aggressive, the future—both immediate and long-term—looks incredibly bright on the North Side. Buckle up, Cubs fans, the next ten days should be just as exciting as today's game.
