Pete Crow-Armstrong Shines Against Cardinals

In St. Louis, Pete Crow-Armstrong has recently become a frequent target for opposing fans. His name prompts boos and jeers during games. This weekend at Busch Stadium was no different. However, on Saturday, he responded with an impressive performance. Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-5, hit a massive home run, drove in 2 RBIs, and made a game-ending catch in the Chicago Cubs’ 6-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cubs are looking to close out the month with a win in the “Sunday Night Baseball” finale, aiming for their first series victory since sweeping Cincinnati in early May. Crow-Armstrong’s contributions, along with Ben Brown’s strong seven innings, made for a celebratory atmosphere in the Cubs’ clubhouse. Crow-Armstrong stated, “I need more of that in my day-to-day. Remembering that this is fun, even during rough patches and not taking myself too seriously.”

The Cubs maintained a 3-1 lead after runs by Nico Hoerner and Michael Busch in the seventh. In the eighth, Cardinals fans taunted Crow-Armstrong with “overrated” chants. He responded by launching a 96 mph fastball 444 feet to right field. The ball landed among the mocking fans. As he rounded the bases, Crow-Armstrong gestured toward the “Tarps Off” zone, where spectators twirled their shirts. After the game, he noted that he had heard the taunts all weekend.

At 114.6 mph, this was the fastest-hit ball of his career and his longest home run this season. Crow-Armstrong acknowledged the intensity of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry, appreciating the rowdy Cardinals fans for their passion. “They have a lot of shirtless guys out in right field,” he remarked. “Interesting theme, but they’re engaged, which I can respect.”

Crow-Armstrong became a notorious figure among Cardinals fans, similar to his reception from White Sox supporters. Despite a challenging May and struggles after his successful 2025 season, this game seemed to provide a much-needed boost. Ian Happ commented on the atmosphere, “It’s great energy in the ballpark when there are so many young fans watching and supporting baseball.”

Crow-Armstrong also contributed in the ninth inning with a single, leading to chants of “P-C-A” from Cubs fans. He completed the night by making a key catch to end the game, demonstrating his reliable defense. “Just keeping the ball in front of me,” he explained, with confidence in his teammates having his back.

Ben Brown’s performance was another highlight, allowing one run on three hits over seven innings, with six strikeouts. His ERA dropped to 1.73, marking a strong return to the rotation. Manager Craig Counsell praised Brown’s development, noting his strategic pitch selection against Nolan Gorman.

The game provided a significant uplift after a difficult month for the Cubs. Crow-Armstrong is learning to manage the spotlight, focusing on what he loves about the game. “I try not to overthink my work,” he said. “But yesterday I did, and today, I wanted to have fun playing baseball with my friends.”