WASHINGTON — Matthew Boyd has earned a reputation as both a determined competitor and an eternal optimist in the Cubs’ clubhouse, a mindset shaped by repeatedly overcoming setbacks. Now fully healthy after Tommy John surgery in June 2023, Boyd isn’t just holding his own — he’s excelling.
On Wednesday, Boyd delivered another strong performance, marking his eighth quality start of the season. He carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and went toe-to-toe with Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore. Though the Cubs ultimately lost 2-0, Boyd was impressive, giving up just two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out six across 7 1/3 innings at Nationals Park.
“I’m grateful,” Boyd said. “I appreciate the chance the Cubs have given me, and I love being part of this team. It’s fun and I’m thankful every day.”
This outing was Boyd’s deepest of the season and his longest since April 2021, back when he pitched for the Tigers. His philosophy on the mound is simple: attack hitters and compete relentlessly, no matter the situation.
Boyd’s knack for working deep into games stems from his efficiency — he needed only 45 pitches to get through five innings. His bid for perfection ended in the sixth when he allowed a walk and then a single, but he stayed in control throughout.
Catcher Carson Kelly praised Boyd for staying unpredictable and adjusting his approach as the game progressed. “We talked about mixing it up before the game, and he did exactly that,” Kelly said. “They just got a good swing on a pitch in the sixth.”
Boyd credited Kelly for handling the game plan and recognizing the Nationals’ approach early. “Carson was great at reading their swings and game plan,” Boyd said. “We got a lot of quick outs early, and he really helped us stay a step ahead.”
The defense behind Boyd played a huge role, too. In the fifth, Pete Crow-Armstrong made a spectacular running catch in left-center, covering 107 feet to snag a fly ball with only a 50% chance of being caught. In the seventh, Michael Busch made a leaping grab of a 103.5 mph line drive by James Wood, stopping the Nationals from extending their momentum after Amed Rosario’s solo homer.
“Pete was amazing in center, the infield was strong, and Buschy’s catch was huge,” Boyd said. “Carson called a great game, too.”
Unfortunately, the Cubs’ offense couldn’t provide support. After three singles in the first inning, they didn’t register another hit until the ninth, when Dansby Swanson singled.
Despite the loss, Kelly sees Boyd’s progress as a sign of even bigger things to come. “He’s pitching really well right now,” Kelly said. “And I think he’s only going to get better.”
Kelly also highlighted Boyd’s positive attitude. “Baseball can be tough, and it’s easy to focus on the negatives,” he said. “Boyd’s one of those guys who celebrates every little success, and that’s going to keep pushing him forward.”
