Chicago Cubs’ eight-game win streak continues with 7-2 victory over Phillies
Chicago Cubs’ eight-game win streak continued in Chicago as Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch homered in a 7-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on April 22, 2026. The streak, fueled by a balanced attack and a stabilizing start from Matthew Boyd, pushed the Cubs to their best run of form in April in decades.
Busch and Suzuki supply decisive power
Michael Busch provided a go-ahead solo home run in the third inning, marking his first long ball of the season and extending the Cubs’ advantage. Seiya Suzuki followed with a two-run homer in the fifth, his second since returning from a knee issue that kept him out at the start of the campaign.
Those two blasts accounted for the bulk of Chicago’s scoring and underscored a pattern through the streak: timely power mixed with situational hitting. The combined offense has allowed the Cubs to outscore opponents by a wide margin during the run.
Boyd’s return steadies the rotation
Matthew Boyd made his first big league start since April 1, delivering 4 2/3 innings of two-run ball and giving the Cubs a much-needed lengthening of the rotation. His outing reduced early reliance on the bullpen and helped the team preserve arms as the hot streak continued.
Boyd’s ability to work through traffic and escape jams offered the Cubs’ manager a steadying presence on the mound. The performance suggested the veteran could be a reliable option as the club navigates the demands of a long season.
Contributions from Crow-Armstrong and Bregman
Pete Crow-Armstrong finished with three hits and two RBIs, setting the table and providing consistent on-base work atop the order. Alex Bregman also collected three hits and delivered a run-scoring triple that sparked the rally in the third inning.
The lineup has benefited from regular contributions from multiple spots, not just the sluggers. That depth has allowed the Cubs to manufacture runs and sustain rallies across the eight-game win streak.
Phillies slide worsens amid key absences
Philadelphia dropped its eighth straight game, its longest skid since a nine-game stretch in September 2018. The loss came with the club missing veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with back spasms.
Taijuan Walker, used out of the rotation for this start, allowed four earned runs and eight hits in four innings and took his second straight defeat. The Phillies’ offense failed to provide support, and the combination of pitching struggles and injuries has deepened the slump.
Bullpen response and Ben Brown’s scoreless outing
Reliever Ben Brown worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings to pick up the victory, permitting three hits while striking out five and issuing no walks. His efficient performance preserved the cushion established by the offense and limited Philadelphia’s comeback chances.
Chicago’s bullpen has been more effective during the streak, complementing stronger starting work and giving the team multiple late-inning options. The balance between starters and relievers has been a notable component of the Cubs’ recent success.
Historical context of the streak
The club’s run is the longest winning streak for the franchise in April since an 11-game stretch in 1970 and matches an eight-game streak the team posted from July 21-29, 2023. Over the current streak the Cubs have outscored opponents by a substantial margin, signaling both offensive depth and pitching consistency.
Sustaining this level of performance will hinge on health and rotation stability, but the current combination of timely hitting, steady starting outings and reliable relief work has positioned the Cubs favorably as they enter the next series.
The series finale on April 23, 2026, will feature Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sánchez (2-2, 1.59 ERA) against Cubs right-hander Edward Cabrera (2-0, 2.38 ERA), with Chicago aiming to extend the Chicago Cubs’ eight-game win streak and Philadelphia seeking to halt its slide.
