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Cubs Miss the Sweep as Bats Go Quiet in 6–1 Loss to Boston
Photo: Matt Marton/Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs had a chance to finish off a statement sweep of the Red Sox on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Instead, they ran into the wind.

Boston spoiled the party with a 6–1 win, snapping Chicago’s four-game winning streak and reminding fans that no team, no matter how hot, can live and die by the home run ball, especially when the wind shifts at Wrigley.

A Day Built for Small Ball, Not Slugging

The wind was blowing in hard all afternoon, making Wrigley a pitcher’s park from the first pitch. For a Cubs offense that leans heavily on the long ball, that is usually a recipe for frustration.

Chicago came into the day leading the National League in home runs since the All-Star break. Their power surge has been a major part of their success, but it also leaves them vulnerable when conditions do not cooperate. On Sunday, the wind held several hard-hit balls inside the park that might have cleared the fence on a calmer day.

Missed Opportunities Early

The Cubs did strike first. Ian Happ ripped an RBI single in the second inning, giving Chicago a 1–0 lead. It felt like the Cubs were ready to keep rolling.

They had other chances, too. Matt Shaw doubled in the third. Seiya Suzuki singled in the fourth. Each time, though, the Cubs failed to cash in with runners on. They finished the day 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, stranding six men on base.

Against a team like Boston, that is not going to get it done.

Boston’s Bats Break It Open Late

For the first seven innings, this game looked like a classic Wrigley pitcher’s duel. The Red Sox tied it in the fourth on a double, but neither team did much damage after that.

Everything changed in the eighth.

Boston exploded for four runs in the top of the eighth inning, including two homers from Wilyer Abreu and Alex Bregman. Both shots cut through the wind and reached the bleachers, giving the Red Sox a sudden lead that stunned the Wrigley crowd.

Once Boston had the momentum, they did not let go. They turned a close game late, into a lopsided final score.

A Lesson in Offensive Balance

This loss was not just about the wind. It was about the approach. The Cubs have become one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball when they are hunting home runs. When conditions take that weapon away, though, they need to adjust. They have the speed to change their identity, and they have done it earlier in the year.

Sunday’s game was a reminder that championship teams have to find different ways to win. Some days will not be built for slugging. The Cubs need to get more comfortable playing for singles, doubles, and manufacturing runs when the ball is not flying.

Looking Ahead

Even with the loss, the Cubs still hold the best record in baseball at 59–40. They remain in control of the NL Central and continue to look like legitimate contenders.

Next up is a three-game set against the Royals at Wrigley. First pitch Monday night is at 7:05 pm CT. Expect the Cubs to come out looking to bounce back and maybe mix in a little small ball while they are at it.

Overall, this was a great series after an extended break. They look to build on this before they head onto the road, including a stop at Milwaukee, which is setting up to be the most important series of the year so far. 

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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