Boyd, Suzuki Lead Cubs to 5-2 Win Over Guardians

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

Matthew Boyd pitched seven sharp innings for his eighth win, Seiya Suzuki cracked his team-leading 23rd homer and the Chicago Cubs topped the sliding Cleveland Guardians 5-2.

Carson Kelly doubled twice with a sac fly for three RBI. Michael Busch went 3-for-3 and drove in a run to help NL Central-leading Chicago win its 50th game.

Carlos Santana had two hits, including his 400th career double, but Cleveland dropped its fifth straight.

The Guardians scored two runs in the fourth — ending a skid of 17 straight scoreless innings — on Nolan Jones' RBI single and Angel Martínez's sacrifice fly. Cleveland has scored in just two of its last 45 innings.

Boyd (8-3) allowed two runs on five hits with five strikeout and one walk. The left-hander finished by retiring 11 straight hitters before Brad Keller entered for the eighth.

Daniel Palencia struck out two in a perfect ninth for his ninth save.

Cleveland's Gavin Williams (5-4) yielded four runs on seven hits and four walks.

The Cubs took a 3-0 lead in a quirky second on four straight hits.

Then Kelly was out at home when he tried to score from third after the ball got away from catcher Bo Naylor. Williams walked the next two hitters — Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw — but picked both off first.

After Cleveland cut it to 3-2 in the fourth, Suzuki hit his solo shot to left in the sixth.

Key Moment

It looked like Cleveland's offense finally awakened in the fourth. But Boyd picked off Jones for the second out, then got Naylor to ground out.

Key Stat

Boyd tossed his 12th quality start in 17. He’s one win short of his career high of nine, reached with Detroit in 2018 and 2019

Up Next

Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (4-8, 3.80 ERA) faces Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (4-2, 2.54) on Wednesday.

In summary

The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 in an MLB game on July 1, 2025.

Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd earned his eighth win of the season.

Seiya Suzuki hit his 23rd home run for Chicago.

Carson Kelly had three RBIs, and Michael Busch added three hits for the Cubs.

Daniel Palencia recorded his ninth save.

The Cleveland Guardians lost their fifth consecutive game.

Gavin Williams took the loss for Cleveland.

Carlos Santana hit his 400th career double for the Guardians.

Related Links

• Cleveland Guardians News & Updates
• Cleveland Guardians Schedule & Scores
• Chicago Cubs News & Updates
• Chicago Cubs Schedule & Scores
• MLB News