The Cubs secured a 5-2 victory over the Orioles at Camden Yards on Tuesday, with pitcher Matthew Boyd delivering a strong performance on the mound. Boyd logged six scoreless innings, displaying improved velocity on his fastball and sharp bite on his breaking pitches. The lefty has been limited to just eight outings this year due to injury setbacks, but is hoping those issues are now behind him as Chicago aims for a return to the playoffs. Boyd expressed his current confidence, stating, ‘I’m just feeling good. We’ve just been on a good path.’
Boyd Locks Down Orioles Offence
Boyd gave the Cubs six scoreless innings, marking his first time logging at least that many frames since May 3. This performance also represented his first outing with at least six scoreless innings since August 2 of last season, which was coincidentally also against the Orioles. The Orioles created opportunities on Tuesday, but Boyd consistently shut them down.
Overall, the Baltimore side finished 0-for-9 with runners on base against Boyd, with a particularly tense moment arriving in the fourth inning. After Baltimore put the first two runners on base, Boyd then struck out the next three batters – Samuel Basallo, Blaze Alexander, and Dylan Beavers – in order, utilising his slider. Cubs manager Craig Counsell highlighted the importance of these strikeouts, stating, ‘The first two guys get on, and the next two strikeouts were huge. He kind of just bore down and made some really good pitches.’
While Boyd typically leads with his fastball and changeup, his slider proved especially strong against the Orioles in this outing. Four of Boyd’s seven strikeouts came via the slider, and it also generated six of the 15 whiffs (swinging strikes) he registered. Notably, Boyd registered a 60% whiff rate on the 10 swings induced by the slider.
Boyd explained the effectiveness of the pitch, saying, ‘When the slider’s working like it is and has depth, it’s a counter to the changeup, without a doubt. It just gives a whole other dynamic to attacking hitters.’
Crow-Armstrong Sparks Cubs Offence
Cubs centre fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was named to the National League All-Star team on Saturday night for the second year in a row, demonstrated his offensive capabilities. The Orioles witnessed firsthand the kind of offensive catalyst Chicago has in its leadoff spot.
In the third inning, with two outs, Crow-Armstrong followed a walk by Miguel Amaya with a sharp single into centre field. This hit was the first of the night off Orioles pitcher Shane Baz. Crow-Armstrong subsequently scored on an RBI single from Alex Bregman, who has played a role in the centre fielder’s improved plate discipline this season.
Crow-Armstrong continued to contribute in the fifth inning, pulling a pitch from Baz into right field. The ball was hit at 103.4 mph off the bat, according to Statcast, and fell for a single. This single scored Dansby Swanson and helped to spark a two-run push for the Cubs.
Miguel Amaya, who had two hits, spoke about Crow-Armstrong, stating, ‘He’s having, so far, an amazing season.’ Crow-Armstrong’s recent form for the North Siders has seen him hit at a .458 (11-for-24) clip over his past seven games.
With their victory over the Orioles, Chicago continues its pursuit for a return to the playoffs.