Cubs halt Red Sox' winning streak with impressive 4-1 victory

In a dramatic matchup on Friday, July 18, 2025, the Chicago Cubs faced the Boston Red Sox in what was an eventful game held at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. This confrontation marked the first game for both teams after the long-awaited All-Star break, and the stakes were high as Boston entered the game on a remarkable 10-game winning streak. Despite a strong season, particularly in the AL East, the Red Sox struggled against the Cubs, showcasing a mix of strong pitching and timely hitting from the opposition. Colin Rea took the mound for the Cubs, marking his return to play since July 9. The right-hander delivered a commendable performance, pitching five effective innings while allowing only one run and four hits. Rea's successful outing contributed to his fourth straight win, improving his record to 8-3 for the season. The Cubs' victory was backed by an impressive offensive display highlighted by Seiya Suzuki’s powerful three-run homer in the 4th inning, which thrilled the crowd of 41,011 and decisively shifted the momentum in favor of the home team. The Red Sox's starting pitcher Lucas Giolito, who had previously been enjoying a stellar run with a record of 5-0 and a 0.70 ERA in his last six starts, faced difficulties in this matchup. Giolito allowed four runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings, suffering his first loss since May 6. Despite Boston’s efforts, including a solitary run from a double by Roman Anthony, the team struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving eight runners stranded on base. A crucial mistake occurred when Abraham Toro was doubled off second base, hindering a potential rally for the Red Sox. The Cubs’ strong pitching performance continued throughout the game, with Brad Keller and Daniel Palencia sealing the deal. Keller delivered a flawless eighth inning, while Palencia closed the game, notching his 13th save of the season. The outcome improved the Cubs to an impressive 40-7 record when scoring first, solidifying their position as leaders in the NL Central. This match not only halted the Red Sox' winning streak but also reinforced Chicago's status as a formidable contender this season. Following this game, the teams prepared to face each other again, with Brayan Bello set to start for Boston and Shota Imanaga taking the mound for the Cubs on Saturday night.