Chicago Cubs Crush New York Mets 10-3: Matt Shaw, Michael Busch Lead Win, Cubs Bolster 2025 NL Wild Card Hopes

Wednesday, September 24th, 2025

Chicago Cubs End Five-Game Skid With 10-3 Win Over New York Mets

The Chicago Cubs halted a season-high five-game losing streak, overpowering the New York Mets 10-3 at Wrigley Field. Matt Shaw delivered a standout performance with three hits, including a home run, while Michael Busch also went deep, helping the Cubs strengthen their grip on the National League’s first wild card spot.

Cubs Bolster Wild Card Advantage

Matthew Boyd (14-8) provided a solid start for the Cubs, allowing just two hits over 5 1/3 innings. The playoff-bound Cubs now hold a 2 1/2 game lead over San Diego for the top wild card position, with four regular season games remaining. Meanwhile, the Padres have three games left in their season.

Mets’ Power Not Enough

Juan Soto hit his 43rd home run of the year and Francisco Alvarez added a two-run shot for the Mets, but New York managed only four hits in total. The Mets remain one game ahead of Cincinnati, battling Arizona for the final National League wild card berth.

Pitching Highlights

Boyd dominated early, retiring 12 of the first 13 Mets hitters and not allowing a hit until Mark Vientos led off the fifth with a single. Daniel Palencia, just back from the injured list, finished the sixth inning. Aaron Civale threw three scoreless innings for his first career save.

Game-Changing Rally

The Cubs seized control with a five-run third inning against rookie starter Jonah Tong (2-3), who was tagged for five runs on seven hits and two walks over just two-plus innings. Shaw’s fourth-inning solo blast extended the lead, and in the fifth, Alvarez homered to cut the gap, but the Cubs answered with two unearned runs. Michael Busch capped the scoring with his 31st home run, a two-run shot in the sixth.

Key Moment

During the Cubs’ pivotal third inning, the first six batters reached base against Tong. Ian Happ’s double with the bases loaded plated two runs, followed by RBI hits from Moises Ballesteros, Seiya Suzuki, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, giving the Cubs a commanding lead.

Key Stat

The Mets’ defensive struggles continued, as Vientos’ error in the fifth inning was their ninth error in six games. Ballesteros scored on the play, and Crow-Armstrong dashed home on a wild pitch from Clay Holmes moments later.

Up Next

The series concludes Thursday night with Mets rookie right-hander Nolan McLean (4-1, 1.27 ERA) set to face Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga (9-7, 3.37 ERA).

In summary

The Chicago Cubs put together a dominant offensive and pitching display to snap their losing streak and solidify their playoff positioning, while the New York Mets continue their fight for the last National League wild card spot amid ongoing defensive woes. Both teams return with high stakes on the line as the critical series concludes in Chicago.

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