Chicago Cubs Top White Sox 6-1 with Happ, Shaw Homers

Saturday, July 26th, 2025

Chicago Cubs Defeat White Sox 6-1 Behind Happ and Shaw Homers, Horton's Strong Start

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs secured a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday night, fueled by home runs from Ian Happ and Matt Shaw in the seventh inning. Cade Horton delivered a stellar performance on the mound for the Cubs.

Game Highlights

The game remained scoreless until the seventh inning when Ian Happ broke the deadlock with a one-out solo home run off White Sox reliever Jordan Leasure (3-6). The blast, Happ's 14th of the season, barely cleared the right-center field wall. Following a two-out single by Nico Hoerner, rookie Matt Shaw launched a two-run homer over the home bullpen in left field, extending the Cubs' lead.

Shaw continued his impactful night in the eighth inning, drawing a bases-loaded walk to add another run for the Cubs. The impressive rookie is currently on an eight-game hitting streak since the All-Star break, batting .478 (11 for 23) with four home runs and nine RBIs during this stretch.

The Cubs' offense pushed the score to 6-0 before Mike Tauchman hit a solo home run against Ryan Pressly in the ninth inning, preventing a shutout for the White Sox.

Pitching Dominance

Cubs starter Cade Horton (4-3) earned his first win since June 3, delivering 6 1/3 innings of four-hit ball. The right-hander had previously pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a no-decision against Boston, showcasing his recent form.

On the White Sox side, Aaron Civale pitched a sharp game despite the loss, striking out six batters in five innings at Rate Field. He threw 69 pitches, 47 for strikes, but received no run support.

Team Notes and Series Context

This victory was crucial for the Cubs, who had lost four of their last five games, including a 12-5 defeat to the last-place White Sox on Friday. With Saturday's win, the North Siders now hold a 4-1 advantage over the South Siders in the season series, with one game remaining.

The White Sox, despite a strong post-All-Star break run where they outscored opponents 61-28 and won six of seven games, were effectively shut down by the Cubs' pitching staff. The team played its second consecutive game without center fielder Luis Robert Jr., who is dealing with adductor soreness.

Key Moment

The White Sox threatened early in the first inning, putting runners on the corners with one out. However, Miguel Vargas grounded into an inning-ending double play, squandering their best scoring opportunity of the game.

Key Stat

The Chicago Cubs now lead the all-time series against the Chicago White Sox 76-75.

Up Next

The series concludes on Sunday. Sean Burke (4-8, 4.19 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for the White Sox. The Cubs have yet to announce their starting pitcher for the finale.

In summary

The Chicago Cubs defeated the Chicago White Sox 6-1 on July 26, 2025, powered by seventh-inning home runs from Ian Happ and Matt Shaw. Rookie Matt Shaw extended his hitting streak and impressive post-All-Star break performance. Pitcher Cade Horton earned his first win since early June with a strong 6 1/3-inning outing. The Cubs' victory brings their season series record against the White Sox to 4-1 and gives them a 76-75 lead in the all-time series. The White Sox offense struggled, playing without Luis Robert Jr., despite a solid start from Aaron Civale.

MLB Schedules

Today's MLB Games

There are no baseball games today.

Tomorrow's MLB Games

There are no baseball games tomorrow.

Yesterday's MLB Games

There were no baseball games yesterday.