Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Swanson and Boyd Lead Cubs to Victory in Crosstown Series

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Rich Eberwein | Last updated May 17, 2025 9:09 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have emerged victorious in the Crosstown Classic at Wrigley Field with their 7-3 victory over the White Sox on Saturday.

Cubs starter Matthew Boyd continued to be an anchor for the pitching staff with his sixth quality start of the year. The 34-year-old limited the Sox to three earned runs and four hits over six innings of solid work, where he also struck out eight batters. Boyd's season ERA is now a stellar 2.98 and he is proving to be a vital piece of the 2025 puzzle as the rotation deals with injuries.

Boyd's efforts were supported by a sturdy seven-run showing from the offense, which was driven by shortstop Dansby Swanson. While others like Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki have been inconsistent at the plate in recent weeks, Swanson has come through to help pace the offense.

On Saturday, he got things going for the Cubs in the second inning when they were down by a run. Swanson started the inning with a single and a stolen base, followed by walks from Nico Hoerner and Moises Ballesteros. Swanson and Ballesteros came home on a two-RBI single from Miguel Amaya to give the Cubs the lead that they were able to hold all game.

Miguel Amaya knocks in 2 for the Cubs pic.twitter.com/r65IliQBXF
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 17, 2025

Pete Crow-Armstrong stayed hot as well by delivering a clutch two-RBI knock of his own, giving him eight runs batted in the first two games against the South Siders and bringing his season total to 38.

Swanson came through again in the fifth inning with his tenth home run of the year, which was a no-doubter to the bleachers in left field.

Dansby Swanson swats his 10th home run of the season! pic.twitter.com/rjKpJ5Elwp
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 17, 2025

Swanson was intentionally walked in his next at-bat, and worked a real walk in the eighth followed by his second stolen base of the game. Hoerner also had two hits, two walks, and scored a pair of runs, while Kyle Tucker worked three free passes and swiped two bags.

It was nice to see the Cubs prevent the Sox from having a chance to win the series by cleaning up the first two games, giving them back-to-back series wins and putting them eight games above .500 (27-19). Bragging rights aside, this is a very soft part of the schedule where the Cubs need to stack as many wins as possible.

What's Next On Tap?

Colin Rea, who has been an excellent starter for the Cubs this year (2.48 ERA), will be on the mound for the Cubs in Sunday's tilt against White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon. The Cubs are looking to sweep the South Siders, a feat that they've had many opportunities to accomplish this year but have only been able to do once against the Athletics in early April.

The Cubs then head on a road trip on Monday with three games in Miami and three in Cincinnati against the Reds.

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

More must-reads: