Wilyer Abreu showcased his power with two home runs and three RBIs, propelling the Boston Red Sox to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, thus preventing a series sweep.
Boston's offense came alive after struggling to score just one run in their previous two games post-All-Star break. Alex Bregman also contributed with a home run, as Garrett Crochet (11-4) delivered six strong innings, marking his fourth consecutive win.
The turning point arrived in the seventh inning when Trevor Story drew a walk, setting the stage for Abreu's 19th homer, a drive to right-center off Ryan Pressly (2-3).
Bregman later extended the lead with a pinch-hit three-run homer off Drew Pomeranz in the eighth inning, while Abreu added a solo shot against Ethan Roberts.
This marked Abreu's fourth multi-homer game of the season and the fifth of his career, having hit 17 homers in his first two years in the majors.
With this win, Boston improved its record to 12-3 in July, following a remarkable ten-game winning streak leading into this series.
On the other hand, the Cubs were unable to capitalize on Cade Horton's impressive outing, where he pitched 5 2/3 innings allowing only two hits. Despite winning five of their last six games, they fell short in this matchup.
Crochet faced eight hits in his first start since July 12 but managed to strike out five batters while walking two.
Chicago's lone run came in the second inning when Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a leadoff double, followed by an infield single from Dansby Swanson. After Crow-Armstrong was caught stealing third, Swanson scored on Ian Happ's single to right.
The Cubs threatened again in the fifth, loading the bases with two outs, but Crochet escaped the situation by inducing Carson Kelly into a fielder's choice.
With this victory, the Red Sox improved their all-time interleague record against the Cubs to 13-14 since 1997.
Looking ahead, the Red Sox will send RHP Walker Buehler (6-6, 6.12 ERA) to the mound for Monday night's opener against Philadelphia, while RHP Zack Wheeler (9-3, 2.36 ERA) will pitch for the Phillies.
The Cubs will remain at home for their three-game series opener against Kansas City on Monday night.
