Cubs Win Fifth Straight with Boyd's Stellar Start, 7-1 Over Padres

Matthew Boyd delivered an impressive performance for the Chicago Cubs in their 7-1 victory over the San Diego Padres, pitching six shutout innings and striking out five. This win marked Boyd's second consecutive scoreless start, bringing his total to 11 shutout innings since joining the Cubs, a team he signed with in December. Boyd's emotional connection to the Cubs, tied to his late grandfather's legacy as a die-hard fan, added sentiment to his performance. Manager Craig Counsell praised Boyd for effectively utilizing a diverse pitch mix to keep the opposing hitters off-balance. Alongside Boyd, catcher Carson Kelly contributed significantly by hitting a home run and driving in four runs, showcasing the impact of the Cubs' offseason acquisitions. This victory also extended the Cubs' winning streak to five games, improving their record to 7-4 early in the season.