Full Breakdown
Cubs Extend Winning Streak with Victory Over Phillies
4/24/2026, 2:44:06 AM
Cubs' Dominant Performance
On Wednesday night, the Chicago Cubs secured their eighth consecutive victory by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 7-2 at Wrigley Field. This win marks the Cubs' longest winning streak since July 2023 and their most successful start to April since 1970, when they achieved an 11-game streak. The Cubs have outscored their opponents 58-20 during this stretch, showcasing a potent offense and solid pitching.
Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki both contributed significantly to the Cubs' success, each hitting home runs. Busch's homer, his first of the season, came in the third inning, giving the Cubs a crucial two-run lead. Suzuki followed suit with a two-run shot in the fifth inning, further extending the Cubs' advantage. Alex Bregman also had a standout performance, collecting three hits, including a triple.
Matthew Boyd made a successful return from a biceps injury, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing two runs. His performance was complemented by reliever Ben Brown, who pitched 2.1 scoreless innings, striking out five batters.
Phillies' Struggles Continue
The loss marked the Phillies' eighth consecutive defeat, their longest losing streak since September 2018. The team struggled offensively, managing nine hits but failing to draw a walk and striking out 12 times. Taijuan Walker, who pitched after opener Kyle Backhus, allowed four earned runs over four innings, contributing to the team's woes.
Manager Rob Thomson expressed frustration over the team's inability to execute plays, particularly highlighting a miscommunication in the outfield that allowed the Cubs to tie the game in the second inning. "Just not going our way right now," Walker stated, reflecting the team's current struggles.
Official Statements & Responses
Cubs manager David Ross praised his team's resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities, noting the importance of Busch's and Suzuki's contributions. "These guys are starting to heat up at the right time," he remarked.
Conversely, Thomson acknowledged the challenges facing the Phillies, emphasizing the need for the team to maintain focus and continue fighting despite their current frustrations. "Baseball's a long season and we got a long way to go," he said, recognizing the talent within the team.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have pointed to the Phillies' poor performance against left-handed pitchers, as they remain winless (0-9) this season when facing lefties, excluding openers. Shortstop Trea Turner noted the team's struggles to capitalize on scoring opportunities, stating, "I feel like we get one guy on base and then he kind of dies for whatever reason."
What's Next
The Cubs will aim to extend their winning streak to nine games in the final match of the four-game series against the Phillies, with Edward Cabrera set to pitch for Chicago against Philadelphia's Cristopher Sánchez. The game is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 1:20 p.m. CT.
