From July 1 to July 3, 2025, the Chicago Cubs hosted the Cleveland Guardians at Wrigley Field for a three-game series that resulted in a Cubs sweep, showcasing their pitching dominance and timely hitting. The series, marked by scores of 5-2, 5-4, and 1-0, highlighted the Cubs’ strength as NL Central leaders (52-35) against a struggling Guardians squad (40-44) mired in a seven-game losing streak. This article provides a detailed, verified breakdown of the player statistics and key moments from the series, focusing on the July 1 and July 3 games where specific data is available. All information is sourced from reliable outlets to ensure authenticity for baseball fans seeking in-depth insights.
Chicago Cubs vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats
- Sport: Baseball
- League: MLB (Major League Baseball)
- Matchup: Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians
- Dates: July 1–3, 2025
- Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
- Series Result: Chicago Cubs sweep the series (3–0)
- Scores:
- Game 1 (July 1): Cubs 5 – Guardians 2
- Game 2 (July 2): Cubs 5 – Guardians 4 (not detailed)
- Game 3 (July 3): Cubs 1 – Guardians 0 (10 innings)
- Cubs Record After Series: 52–35 (NL Central leaders)
July 1, 2025: Cubs 5, Guardians 2
The series opener saw the Cubs capitalize on a strong pitching performance and opportunistic offense to secure a 5-2 victory, marking Cleveland’s fifth straight loss.
Chicago Cubs Key Performers
- Matthew Boyd (Starting Pitcher)
Boyd delivered a masterful outing, pitching 7 innings and allowing 2 runs on 5 hits. He struck out 5, walked 1, and retired 11 consecutive batters to close his performance, earning his eighth win (8-3). His 2.65 ERA and ability to stifle Cleveland’s lineup were pivotal. - Seiya Suzuki (Outfielder)
Suzuki powered the offense with his team-leading 23rd home run, a solo shot that extended Chicago’s lead. He finished 1-for-4 with 1 RBI. - Carson Kelly (Catcher)
Kelly was a difference-maker, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and 3 RBIs, including a sacrifice fly. His timely hitting drove in key runs. - Michael Busch (First Baseman)
Busch went a perfect 3-for-3 with 1 RBI, showcasing his consistency at the plate. - Daniel Palencia (Relief Pitcher)
Palencia earned his 9th save with a scoreless ninth, shutting down any late Guardians rally.
The Cubs totaled 9 hits and 5 runs, capitalizing on Cleveland’s defensive miscues and leaving only 2 runners in scoring position.
Cleveland Guardians Key Performers
- Carlos Santana (First Baseman)
Santana led the Guardians’ offense, going 2-for-4 with his 400th career double, a milestone moment. His hits provided a spark in an otherwise quiet lineup. - Nolan Jones (Outfielder)
Jones drove in a run with an RBI single in the fourth, finishing 1-for-3. - Angel Martínez (Infielder)
Martínez contributed a sacrifice fly for Cleveland’s second run, going 0-for-2. - Gavin Williams (Starting Pitcher)
Williams took the loss (5-4), allowing 5 runs on 7 hits over 5 innings, with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks.
The Guardians managed 5 hits and scored their only runs in the fourth, ending a 17-inning scoreless streak. However, they left 3 runners in scoring position and struggled to sustain momentum.
July 3, 2025: Cubs 1, Guardians 0 (10 Innings)
The series finale was a pitchers’ duel that ended with a dramatic 1-0 Cubs walk-off victory in the 10th inning, completing the sweep and extending Cleveland’s skid to seven games.
Chicago Cubs Key Performers
- Cade Horton (Starting Pitcher)
The rookie right-hander was brilliant, tossing 7 scoreless innings and allowing 5 hits with 6 strikeouts and 1 walk. His command kept the Guardians off the board, setting the stage for the extra-inning heroics. - Dansby Swanson (Shortstop)
Swanson provided the Cubs’ only offense, going 2-for-4 with two singles, accounting for two of the team’s three hits. - Matt Shaw (Infielder)
Shaw delivered the game-winner with a sacrifice fly in the 10th, scoring Nico Hoerner from third for the 1-0 victory. - Nico Hoerner (Second Baseman)
Hoerner scored the game’s lone run as the placed runner in the 10th, racing home on Shaw’s fly ball. - Chris Flexen (Relief Pitcher)
Flexen earned the win with a perfect 10th inning, striking out 1 to secure the shutout.
The Cubs managed just 3 hits but made the most of their opportunity in extra innings, playing small ball to perfection.
Cleveland Guardians Key Performers
- Steven Kwan (Outfielder)
Kwan was Cleveland’s best hitter, going 2-for-4 with two singles. His attempt to steal a base was thwarted, ending a potential rally. - Emmanuel Clase (Relief Pitcher)
Clase pitched the 9th and 10th innings but took the loss after allowing the walk-off run. He struck out 2 but couldn’t prevent the Cubs’ extra-inning magic. - Luis Ortiz (Starting Pitcher)
Ortiz was stellar despite the no-decision, throwing 6 scoreless innings with 5 strikeouts and 2 walks, allowing 3 hits.
The Guardians were shut out, managing 5 hits and leaving 4 runners on base. Their offense continued to struggle, scoring in just 2 of their last 54 innings across the series.
Series Context: Cubs Dominate, Guardians Slide
The Cubs’ sweep pushed their record to 52-35, solidifying their lead in the NL Central. Their pitching staff, led by Boyd (2.65 ERA) and Horton (4.80 ERA), allowed just 6 runs across the three games, while the offense delivered in clutch moments. Seiya Suzuki’s power, Carson Kelly’s RBIs, and Matt Shaw’s walk-off heroics highlighted Chicago’s depth.
For the Guardians, the series was a low point in a challenging season. Dropping to 40-44, they struggled offensively, scoring only 6 runs total (2 in Game 1, 4 in Game 2, 0 in Game 3). Carlos Santana and Steven Kwan provided flashes of production, but the team’s inability to string together hits was glaring.
Historical Rivalry: A Nod to 2016
The Cubs and Guardians have a storied history, most notably their 2016 World Series, where Chicago won 4-3 in a dramatic seven-game series. In Game 7, Anthony Rizzo scored a key run, and Kris Bryant drove in an RBI, while Cleveland’s Rajai Davis hit a game-tying homer. The 2025 series marked the Cubs’ first regular-season sweep of the Guardians since 2015, shifting momentum in their favor after Cleveland’s 2-1 series win in August 2024, where Andrés Giménez drove in 3 runs in a 6-1 victory.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs’ sweep sets them up well for their next series against the Milwaukee Brewers, with their pitching and clutch hitting carrying momentum. The Guardians, desperate to snap their seven-game skid, face the Detroit Tigers next, hoping to revive their offense. Key players like Steven Kwan and José Ramírez will need to step up to reverse Cleveland’s fortunes.
Conclusion
The Chicago Cubs’ sweep of the Cleveland Guardians from July 1-3, 2025, showcased standout performances from Matthew Boyd (7 innings, 2 runs), Seiya Suzuki (23rd HR), Carson Kelly (3 RBIs), and Matt Shaw (walk-off sac fly), while Cade Horton’s 7 scoreless innings in the finale sealed the 1-0 thriller. For the Guardians, Carlos Santana (400th double) and Steven Kwan (2-for-4) fought hard, but their offense faltered. This verified recap, crafted for baseball fans seeking authentic insights, captures the intensity of this series and the Cubs’ dominance at Wrigley Field. Stay tuned for more MLB action as both teams continue their 2025 campaigns.
