Faithful, Too: “Game 80 - Boy(d) Did We Need That”
Added 2025-06-26 15:44:37 +0000 UTCThe sky is no longer falling. At least for now.
Behind a barrage of long balls (and a beautiful defensive play from Shaw) the Cubs shutout the Cards 8-0 to halt a three-game losing streak. On the bright side the Cubs are one of only three teams to not have anything worse than a three-game losing streak this season. Let’s hope they avoid surpassing this stat for as long as possible, or at least until they can afford to. The Cards and Brewers are not going anywhere. Build that cushion, dammit.
Watched a grand total of two innings of this one, and only after returning from a blessedly-not-humid walk in fair Chicago with the loved one. God, we really forget how cold it gets in the summer before forgetting how hot it gets in the winter. There are no true falls or springs. Not much happened in the 6th or 7th for either team, but was fortunate enough to watch Matthew Boyd continuing his steady presence on the mound. He has become the inarguable second-best starter on the team since Steele’s season ended, and easily the best starter since Shota’s stint on the injured list. I think he deserves to be an All-Star, and Jim DeShaies would later agree with me on the Cubs broadcast (Seriously, ask my girlfriend. I mentioned it first!).
In the NL, Boyd is tied for 5th in quality starts (min. 6 innings pitched and no more than 3 earned runs given up), 6th in ERA, tied for 6th in wins (one away from 1st), and is tied for 7th in WHIP (the average of walks and hits given up per inning). Narrative-wise, the Cubs would likely be screwed without him. After a decade of struggling he’s finally earned the distinction.
In more good news: Shota returns today! He’s missed half the season but did play teriffic in his eight starts (3-2, 2.82 ERA). No pressure today. On the road, day game, against their main rival. Just kidding! A win would salvage the series. Always take a split on the road in these circumstances, especially after losing the first two. Let’s go…
