Game result and context
Boston Red Sox defeat Chicago Cubs 2-0 in 2026 regular season matchup
A late-inning rally propelled the Boston Red Sox to a 2-0 win against the Chicago Cubs, moving the Red Sox to an 87-74 record while the Cubs fell to 88-73.
Final result
The Boston Red Sox defeated the Chicago Cubs with a final score of 2-0 on September 25, 2026. The game remained scoreless through the first seven innings before Boston broke the deadlock in the bottom of the eighth.
The Cubs finished the game with 88 wins and 73 losses. The Red Sox improved their season record to 87 wins and 74 losses.
How the game changed
The contest was defined by a pitching duel that lasted for the majority of the game. Both starting pitchers, David Peterson for Chicago and Jedixson Paez for Boston, threw 5.0 scoreless innings.
The decisive moment occurred in the bottom of the eighth inning when Wilyer Abreu delivered a key hit that drove in two runs. This offensive production provided the only scoring of the game, as the Cubs were unable to respond in the top of the ninth.
Key performances
Wilyer Abreu led the Boston offense, recording one hit and two runs batted in during his four at-bats. On the mound, Jedixson Paez earned the win, pitching 5.0 innings with five strikeouts and no earned runs allowed. Brayan Bello contributed 4.0 innings of scoreless relief for the Red Sox, striking out two batters.
For the Chicago Cubs, Michael Busch provided two hits in four at-bats. David Peterson pitched 5.0 scoreless innings, striking out six. Javier Assad took the loss, pitching 2.1 innings and allowing one earned run while striking out three.
Season and playoff context
This game was the second of a three-game regular season series between the two clubs. With the win, the Red Sox continue to navigate the final stretch of the 2026 season, maintaining their position in the standings as they approach the conclusion of the regular schedule.