Swanson, Boyd Power NL Central-Leading Cubs Past Pirates, 2–1 at Wrigley

June 14, 2025
MLB

CHICAGO, IL — Behind a go-ahead home run from Dansby Swanson and a dominant performance from Matthew Boyd, the Chicago Cubs edged the Pittsburgh Pirates 2–1 on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field, holding their position atop the NL Central.

Swanson broke a 1–1 tie in the sixth inning with a solo shot into the left-center bleachers, his 13th of the season, off Pirates reliever Ryan Borucki (1–3). The shortstop had struck out in his first two at-bats but delivered when it mattered most, lifting the Cubs to their sixth win in their last 12 during a grueling stretch of 13 games in as many days.

🔥 Boyd Silences Pirates After Early Hiccup

Matthew Boyd (6–3) continued his dominant run at home, retiring 14 straight batters following a first-inning solo homer by Andrew McCutchen, who extended his record with 18 career home runs at Wrigley Field — the most by any active visiting player. Boyd, signed to a two-year, $29 million deal this offseason, improved to 6–0 with a 2.25 ERA in six starts at Wrigley this season.

⚾ Key Game Moments

3rd Inning: Chicago tied the game after Nico Hoerner singled, stole second, and advanced to third on a grounder by Matt Shaw. Ian Happ brought him home with a sacrifice fly.
6th Inning: Swanson delivered the game-winner with a solo homer off Borucki.
7th Inning: Pittsburgh threatened with three hits off Ryan Pressly, but squandered the chance. Bryan Reynolds grounded into a double play, and Henry Davis struck out looking with two on to end the inning.

🔒 Lockdown Bullpen

The Cubs’ bullpen held strong after Boyd exited. Pressly and Drew Pomeranz each recorded three outs, while Daniel Palencia handled the ninth to earn his sixth save of the season.

📊 Key Stat

Chicago improved to 6–6 during a demanding stretch of 13 games in 13 days. They’ll get a brief break with an off-day on Monday before launching into another identical stretch.