Matthew Boyd’s Unbelievable Game: How He Nearly Shattered Baseball Perfection Against the Cubs

The Cubs fell just short against the Angels in Tempe on Thursday, losing a tight 5-4 contest. But honestly, the spotlight wasn’t on the scoreboard—it was shining brightly on Cubs’ lefty Matthew Boyd. Earlier this week, Boyd stumbled in his spring debut, giving up five hits in under two frames. Yet, Thursday’s outing told a very different story. Boyd was undeniably locked in, slicing through the Angels’ lineup with surgical precision — striking out three across a crisp 34-pitch stint that featured 23 strikes. Among those rattled was none other than Mike Trout, who Boyd dispatched with style and finesse. It felt like a recalibration, a sign that Boyd’s gear is shifting into high mode just in time for his expected departure to Team USA and the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The Cubs grabbed early momentum, thanks to some timely doubles by Jefferson Rojas and Dylan Carlson, though the Angels ultimately rallied to claim the lead. Jaxon Wiggins, meanwhile, ran into some trouble, bearing the brunt of the Angels’ surge in a tough first outing. Despite the loss, there were flashes of promise — particularly from youngsters like Carlson and McCormick — and some hopeful signs as the roster juggles ahead of Pete Crow-Armstrong’s imminent WBC participation. Now, eyes turn to Friday’s rematch with the Cleveland Guardians at Sloan Park, where Edward Cabrera will hope to build on what he’s shown so far. It’s the kind of spring scene that suggests this Cubs team, while still rough around the edges, is brimming with potential and intrigue. LEARN MORE

The Cubs lost to the Angels 5-4 in Tempe Thursday, but the big story of this one was Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd. Boyd had allowed five hits in less than two innings in his first spring start earlier this week.

Thursday afternoon in Tempe, Boyd was much better. He retired all nine Angels he faced — many of them expected to be on their Opening Day roster — and struck out three. He threw an efficient 34 pitches (23 strikes) and here’s how he struck out Mike Trout:

Boyd had seven swings-and-misses and looked really sharp. This is likely his last outing before heading to Team USA for the World Baseball Classic. Team USA is having a workout next Monday in preparation for an exhibition game against the Giants in Scottsdale next Wednesday. Then they will head to Houston to begin WBC pool play against Brazil a week from tomorrow.

The Cubs took an early lead on doubles by Jefferson Rojas and Dylan Carlson in the first inning, although Carlson got himself picked off second to end the inning.

Then the Cubs added a pair in the second. Chas McCormick doubled and went to third on a single by James Triantos. McCormick then scored on a sac fly by Pedro Ramirez. A double by Justin Dean and walk drawn by Scott Kingery loaded the bases, and the Cubs’ third run scored when Michael Busch was hit by a pitch.

Unfortunately, Jaxon Wiggins got knocked around in an inning and a third of work. He faced 10 batters and six of them had hits. The Angels scored one off Wiggins in the fourth and four in the fifth to take the lead, with five runs overall charged to Wiggins. So Wiggins’ first spring outing was… not one he’ll want to remember, except for learning purposes.

After that a lot of the Cubs regulars departed. Riley Martin took over in the sixth and there was a brief delay while Craig Counsell and the Cubs trainer had a look at Martin after a pitch, but Martin stayed in the game. He threw a scoreless sixth.

Minor league plate umpire Louie Krupa had four calls challenged in this game and all four were overturned.

And that’s pretty much it from this game. Dylan Carlson had two hits and is 4-for-8 in the early spring going with three walks. It’s really hard to tell whether Carlson or McCormick has the “lead” in the fourth outfielder race, given the very small sample size. You can be sure, though, that both will get more opportunities, especially with Pete Crow-Armstrong departing soon for the WBC.

The Cubs return to Sloan Park Friday afternoon to take on the Cleveland Guardians. Game time Friday is 2:05 p.m. CT. Edward Cabrera will make his first spring start for the Cubs, and Logan Allen will go for Cleveland. No TV or radio coverage for Friday’s game.