The Chicago Cubs will try to keep their playoff hopes alive again Thursday, and they’re turning to Matthew Boyd to get the start at Wrigley Field.
Boyd was roughed up in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, failing to get out of the first inning as he was tagged for six runs, though only two of them were earned.
This time around, Boyd will be pitching at Wrigley Field with the Cubs’ season on the line, and he has been much better at the Friendly Confines this season than he has been elsewhere.
In 15 starts at Wrigley, Boyd has a 12-1 record with a 2.51 ERA, holding opponents to a batting average of .209 in those appearances this season.
He was sharp in his first playoff start at Wrigley Field this postseason, giving up one earned run in 4.1 innings against the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series.
Against the Brewers however, Boyd has struggled this season. In two regular season starts against the Crew, Boyd posted a 7.84 ERA, giving up nine earned runs and issuing eight walks in just 10.1 innings.
Those successes and failures will clash in a pivotal game for the Cubs, as they look to force a decisive Game 5 in Milwaukee. The Cubs won Game 3 on the strength of a four-run first inning, with their bullpen allowing one run over the final five innings in a 4-3 victory at Wrigley Field.
The Brewers have not officially named their starter, though it is possible Freddy Peralta could get the ball on regular rest. He allowed two runs and struck out nine Cubs in a Game 1 win at American Family Field, and the Brewers could turn to him as they look to win a postseason series for the first time since 2018.
First pitch is set for 8:08 p.m., and the game will air on TBS, with streaming available on HBO Max.
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