Chicago Cubs rookie third baseman Matt Shaw is riding a promising hot streak following the All-Star break and looks to continue his strong performance as the Cubs host the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon in the final game of their three-match series. Shaw’s recent surge is a key focus for the Cubs as they chase a crucial win to maintain their top spot in the National League Central.
Current Standings Set Context for Critical Matchup
The Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers are currently tied for first place in the National League Central, placing extra importance on this series. Meanwhile, the Royals trail by 4 1/2 games behind the last American League wild-card spot and are fighting to stay competitive in their league. Kansas City managed a season-high 12 runs in Monday’s game but was shut out on Tuesday, giving the Cubs an opportunity to build momentum.
Pitching Performances Shape Recent Games
The Cubs’ starting pitcher Matthew Boyd delivered a dominant performance on Tuesday, pitching seven scoreless innings in Chicago’s 6-0 victory over the Royals. The shutout win demonstrated Boyd’s control and effectiveness on the mound, helping the Cubs take the series lead heading into the rubber match.
Shaw and Key Players Make Notable Contributions
Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong returned to the lineup after sitting out a game due to a bruised right knee, and he managed one hit and an RBI in his four at-bats. Shaw himself added two hits and an RBI, extending his hitting streak to five games since the All-Star break. During this stretch, he has batted an impressive .533 (8-for-15), including two home runs and five RBIs, showcasing a marked improvement from his early-season struggles.
Shaw Reflects on His Early-Season Challenges and Fresh Mindset
Despite Shaw’s recent resurgence, his overall .221 batting average for the season has sparked speculation about the Cubs possibly seeking other options at third base before the July 31 trade deadline. Yet Shaw remains optimistic and credits the All-Star break for helping him reset mentally and physically.
“I think getting some time off was really important,”
Shaw said.
That was nice. Just kind of reassessing the first half and kind of realizing some of my motivations in the game allowed me to feel a little more comfortable in the box.
—Matt Shaw, Chicago Cubs third baseman
Pitching Matchups for the Series Finale Highlight Strengths and Challenges
Chicago plans to start right-hander Colin Rea (8-3, 3.80 ERA) for the deciding game, coming off his fourth consecutive win. In his recent outing against the Boston Red Sox, Rea allowed only one run over five innings, demonstrating steady form with five runs allowed in under 24 innings across his last four starts. However, he has a career 7.71 ERA against the Royals in limited appearances.
The Royals will counter with right-hander Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.94 ERA), who threw six innings last Friday against the Miami Marlins but gave up five runs while taking a no-decision. Lugo’s recent ERA has increased to 3.93 over three contests this month, after a strong June performance where he recorded a 1.26 ERA in five starts.
Player Matchups Offer Insight Ahead of Crucial Game
Jonathan India, with a 2-for-10 record against Rea including a home run, could play a key role for the Cubs’ offense if given opportunities. Against Lugo, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson has struggled, holding a .111 batting average over 18 at-bats. Lugo’s record against Chicago includes an 0-4 mark with a 5.91 ERA over 14 appearances, indicating a challenging matchup for the Cubs.
Royals Seek Offensive Response with Star Players Leading the Charge
The Royals are eager to recover after their offensive struggles in Tuesday’s loss, limited to six singles including one by catcher Salvador Perez. Perez has been a standout lately, posting a .359 batting average with eight home runs and 17 RBIs in his last 17 games. His consistent effort remains vital to Kansas City’s hopes against a tough Cubs pitching staff.
“It’s a long season, just trying to make adjustments,”
Perez said.
My first half was a little slow, and I just kept working, talking to my hitting coach. I try to do my best every time I step out to home plate and help my team to win.
—Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals catcher
Outlook for the Series Finale and Its Impact on Both Teams
The upcoming game will be pivotal for both teams as the Cubs look to assert control of the National League Central race, while the Royals aim to close the gap in the American League wild-card standings. Matt Shaw’s continued strong performance is crucial for the Cubs’ offensive consistency, and strong pitching from Rea could secure a series win. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s ability to spark their lineup against Chicago’s pitching will determine if they can stay competitive in this interleague matchup.