Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong Shines with Historic Home Runs

In the calm before the storm at Wrigley Field, Cubs’ center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong found himself swinging off a tee. He usually sticks to the batting cage, preferring its controlled environment to refine his swing. However, an on-field session of hitting front flips from assistant coach John Mallee left him frustrated. Crow-Armstrong acknowledged his recent struggles, entering the game with a .128 batting average and seven strikeouts in his last nine games.

It was a night of triumph during the City Series opener against the White Sox. Crow-Armstrong shifted his mindset to embrace conviction in his swings. His remarkable performance included a leadoff homer against Luis Castillo and later, a walk-off two-run home run in the tenth inning. This feat marked him as the first player since 1957 to hit both a leadoff and walk-off homer in a single game.

His achievement extended further, earning him a 30-home-run, 30-stolen-base season. Crow-Armstrong became the first Cub with consecutive seasons reaching this milestone, joining only a handful in MLB history with such records at age 24 or younger.

Manager Craig Counsell praised Crow-Armstrong’s turnaround on the heels of a challenging weekend. Witnessing his display at the plate has been rewarding, highlighting his resilience and talent.

Crow-Armstrong’s contributions were crucial in the Cubs’ 7-5 victory. His efforts included two home runs, a double, a single, a walk, and a stolen base, boosting his fWAR by 0.5—putting him ahead of other MLB hitters, including Kyle Tucker.

Hitting coach Dustin Kelly observed Crow-Armstrong’s ability to manage ups and downs. While the MVP’s pressures are undeniable, Crow-Armstrong maintains his composure. Pitchers challenge him with precision pitches due to his potential damage across the strike zone.

Despite strategic decisions by the Sox manager, Crow-Armstrong seized the moment. His ability to adapt and respond effectively to high-stakes situations underscores his prowess.

Contributions from teammates like Alex Bregman and Nico Hoerner set the stage for Crow-Armstrong’s heroics, supported by strong pitching from Shota Imanaga and Jacob Webb. Fan chants provided a backdrop as Crow-Armstrong delivered decisive swings that secured victory, reinforcing his reputation as a dynamic asset to the Cubs.