Seiya Suzuki homers as the Chicago Cubs cool off the Boston Red Sox with a 4-1 win

CHICAGO (AP) — Seiya Suzuki hit a three-run homer, and the Chicago Cubs stopped Boston’s 10-game win streak with a 4-1 victory over the Red Sox on Friday.

Colin Rea pitched five effective innings for Chicago in the majors’ first game after the All-Star break. Working around a season-high four walks, the right-hander allowed one run and four hits in his fourth consecutive win.

Advertisement

Boston had won 12 of 13 to surge into contention in the rugged AL East. But Lucas Giolito got off to shaky start and the Red Sox left eight runners on base in the opener of a challenging six-game trip.

Pitching for the first time since July 9, Giolito (6-2) walked his first two batters of the game. Suzuki then drove a four-seam fastball deep to center for his 26th homer, delighting the crowd of 41,011 on a picturesque afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Nico Hoerner tacked on an RBI single for the NL Central leaders in the sixth.

Giolito was charged with four runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings in his first loss since May 6. The right-hander went 5-0 with a sparkling 0.70 ERA in his previous six starts.

Advertisement

Boston scored its only run on Roman Anthony’s two-out RBI double in the third. Anthony’s hit put runners on second and third, but Rea (8-3) escaped the jam by striking out Carlos Narváez.

Brad Keller pitched a perfect eighth for Chicago before Daniel Palencia handled the ninth for his 13th save in 14 opportunities.

Key moment

Boston had a chance to rally in the fifth, but Abraham Toro committed a costly mistake. With two runners on and no outs, Toro was doubled off second on Alex Bregman’s liner to center.

Key stat

The Cubs improved to 40-7 when they score first.

Up next

Brayan Bello (6-3, 3.14 ERA) pitches for Boston on Saturday, and left-hander Shota Imanaga (6-3, 2.65) takes the mound for Chicago.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Related Posts

Red Sox manager Alex Cora furious after ball boy interference call

After Ceddanne Rafaela’s apparent two-base hit is reversed by the umpiring crew, Red Sox manager Alex Cora was very unhappy

Yankees Manager Called ‘Brainwashed’ on Anthony Volpe, ‘Weird’ Relationship

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has come under intense scrutiny for his continued “obsession” with young shortstop Anthony Volpe.

Insider Reveals Shocking Possible Free Agent Destination for Cubs Star Kyle Tucker

When the Chicago Cubs made a blockbuster trade to acquire star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, they knew they were only guaranteed one year of h

MLB rumors: Luis Robert’s contract caveat mentioned amid trade possibility

The struggling former All-Star’s contract includes a $20 million option for 2026 as the White Sox seek a trade partner ahead of the deadline.

MLB Mock Blockbuster Trade: Atlanta Braves Deal Marcell Ozuna to Detroit Tigers

Could the Detroit Tigers bolster their lineup with the addition of Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna?

Red Sox Wilyer Abreu trade idea lands All-Star starter, new first baseman

The Boston Red Sox could pursue this five-player blockbuster trade to replenish their roster ahead of the playoffs.