Ian Happ, Matthew Boyd Lead Cubs’ Win vs. Rays
- The Chicago Cubs showcased their consistent offensive firepower in a 6-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field, marking the start of a...
- Ian Happ nearly completed a cycle, driving in two runs, while Nico Hoerner reached base three times.
- Matthew Boyd allowed four runs, including a first-inning home run to former Cub Christopher Morel, and an RBI single to Nick Fortes in the fourth.
Cubs Defeat Rays 6-4 Behind Balanced Offense and Matthew Boyd‘s Pitching
Table of Contents
updated September 12, 2025
Game Summary
The Chicago Cubs showcased their consistent offensive firepower in a 6-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field, marking the start of a three-game series. box Score.
Ian Happ nearly completed a cycle, driving in two runs, while Nico Hoerner reached base three times. Rookie Moisés Ballesteros contributed a key RBI triple, and Dansby Swanson added an RBI double, all supporting a five-inning outing from veteran pitcher Matthew Boyd.
boyd’s Performance and Record-Breaking Pickoff
Matthew Boyd allowed four runs, including a first-inning home run to former Cub Christopher Morel, and an RBI single to Nick Fortes in the fourth. Despite the early damage, Boyd settled in to limit further scoring.
Boyd also recorded a pickoff of everson Pereira in the fourth inning, increasing his MLB-leading total to 11 pickoffs for the season. This extended boyd’s single-season Cubs club record and represents the most pickoffs in Major League Baseball as Clayton Kershaw achieved 11 in 2012. MLB.com details Boyd’s pickoff prowess.
Cubs’ offensive Contributions
Chicago chipped away at the Rays’ lead, scoring three runs in the second inning with RBIs from Swanson, Michael Busch (single), and Happ (single). Ballesteros then gave the Cubs a 4-3 advantage with an RBI triple in the third. Happ added to the lead with a solo home run – his 21st of the year – in the fourth inning.