Ian Happ Homers as Chicago Cubs Defeat Tampa Bay Rays 6-4 on September 12, 2025

Friday, September 12th, 2025

Chicago Cubs Defeat Tampa Bay Rays 6-4 at Wrigley Field

The Chicago Cubs picked up their third straight win by overcoming the Tampa Bay Rays 6-4 in an exciting matchup at Wrigley Field on September 12, 2025. Ian Happ powered the Cubs’ offense with a home run as well as a three-hit, two-RBI performance. Moisés Ballesteros provided the go-ahead blow with a tiebreaking triple, ensuring the Cubs remain firmly atop the NL wild-card standings.

Game Highlights

Ian Happ led the Cubs offensively, finishing with three hits including his 21st homer of the season—launching a leadoff drive to right field in the fourth and pushing Chicago’s lead to 6-4. Happ’s efforts were complemented by Nico Hoerner’s two hits and two runs scored, while Ballesteros recorded his first career triple in the third inning to break the game’s tie and spark a rally.

Matthew Boyd earned the win for Chicago, pitching five innings and allowing four runs. With this outing, he recorded his first victory since August 19, improving to a 13-8 record on the season. In the bullpen, Porter Hodge, Drew Pomeranz, Brad Keller, and Andrew Kittredge each contributed a scoreless inning, with Kittredge picking up his fourth save in five chances.

Key Moments

Christopher Morel, facing his former team for the first time since being dealt to Tampa Bay in July 2024, blasted a three-run homer for the Rays. However, his offensive spark wasn’t enough to halt the Rays’ skid as they lost for the sixth time in their last seven games.

In a pivotal moment, Nico Hoerner walked in the third, scored on Ballesteros’ triple, and Ballesteros later scored when Matt Shaw grounded into a fielder’s choice. This sequence put the Cubs ahead and they never trailed again.

Pitching and Defensive Plays

Boyd notched another key play by picking off Everson Pereira at first base in the fourth inning, recording his major-league-leading 11th pickoff of the season. After Boyd’s five innings, the Cubs’ bullpen carried the torch with four consecutive perfect innings, sealing the victory.

Looking Ahead

The series continues on Saturday as Drew Rasmussen (10-5, 2.64 ERA) takes the mound for Tampa Bay, while Colin Rea (10-6, 4.20 ERA) gets the start for Chicago.

In summary

The Chicago Cubs outlasted the Tampa Bay Rays with clutch performances from Ian Happ and Moisés Ballesteros, as well as a strong showing from the bullpen. With this 6-4 victory, the Cubs extend their winning streak and bolster their playoff hopes, while the Rays look to end their losing streak in the next matchup.

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