Chicago Cubs Score

Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/25/23): Cubs 7, White Sox 3 – Slugging Swanson Leads Charge to 4th Consecutive W

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandJuly 26, 2023

The Cubs were able to keep the good times rolling Tuesday night when they made the trip to Guaranteed Rate Field for a matchup with the crosstown White Sox. The visiting team got a big offensive contribution from their middle infielders and were able to hold off a couple late rallies to take home a fourth consecutive win.

The Cubs began their power surge against Michael Kopech in the top of the 2nd inning. After Seiya Suzuki reached base on a throwing error by shortstop Tim Anderson, Dansby Swanson turned around a high fastball for a two-run homer to left. Christopher Morel followed by knocking a hanging slider over the center field wall to make it back-to-back dingers.

Kyle Hendricks was on his game early and didn’t allow a baserunner through the first four frames. Swanson clubbed his second home run, this one a solo shot, in the 4th inning and Cody Bellinger added a sacrifice fly in the 5th to put the North Siders ahead 5-0.

Infamous Cubs trade participant Eloy Jiménez broke up the perfect game in the bottom of the frame and would score the South Siders’ first run. Nico Hoerner got in on the fun with a homer to lead off the 7th and his double play partner added his fourth RBI on a single a few batters later.

The Sox had their best scoring opportunity the next half-inning as a tiring Hendricks loaded the bases with nobody out. Yoán Moncada appeared to have hit a grand slam, but Suzuki reached over the wall to make the catch and only a single run came home on the sac fly.

Mark Leiter Jr. came on in relief after an infield hit cut the lead to 7-3 and he quickly got two outs to escape the jam. The White Sox had the first two men get on against Michael Fulmer to begin the 9th inning but Adbert Alzolay was nasty, coming on and striking out the side to pick up the save. (Box score)

Key Moment

If Suzuki doesn’t steal that home run, it would have been a 7-5 contest and the final three innings could have gotten very stressful. It was absolutely huge.

Why the Cubs Won

They took advantage of the warm weather at Guaranteed Rate and blasted four homers to back a very good starting pitching performance. Timely bullpen appearances stifled any rallies in their tracks as well.

Stats That Matter

  • It was a strong effort for Hendricks but it seemed like the 90-degree heat got to him a bit in his final frame: 6.1 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 4 K, and 1 BB.
  • Swanson had a perfect night on Tuesday with a walk in addition to his three hits.
  • Hoerner is suddenly on fire with three more hits after his big-time slump.
  • Leiter was really sharp getting four consecutive outs in his appearance.

Bottom Line

Every win the Cubs get right now puts more pressure on Jed Hoyer to add talent instead of selling. Getting Swanson back and absolutely raking makes this a really dangerous lineup. Just keep winning and good things will follow, especially if they get a little outside assistance.

On Deck

The Cubs look for a mini-sweep Wednesday night at 7:10pm CT. It’s a battle of veterans between the diminutive Marcus Stroman and the large Lance Lynn with broadcasts available on Marquee and 670 The Score.

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandJuly 26, 2023
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