The Red Sox had scored just one run in their first 24 innings coming out of the All-Star break and were in danger of getting swept at Wrigley Field.

Abreu missed a 93.5 mph sinker below the strike zone from Cubs reliever Ryan Pressly on his first-pitch bunt attempt. He then ripped the next pitch into the right field bleachers to give Boston its first lead of the three-game series after 24 innings tied or trailing.

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged before the All-Star break that, once it became clear Rafael Devers wasn’t going to be a first base option, the team hoped Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez might provide a stopgap solution. But the duo has surpassed such measured expectations.

Alex Bregman, Wilyer Abreu hit home runs in the 8th inning that extended the Boston Red Sox's lead over the Chicago Cubs.

CHICAGO — Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu are both out of the Red Sox lineup vs. a lefty starter Saturday. Roman Anthony will play right field and bat cleanup. Rob Refsnyder will play left field and lead off.