Pete Crow-Armstrong keeps finding new ways to make Cubs history. Crow-Armstrong hit three home runs across the series with the Atlanta Braves, including two in the finale, as Chicago took two of three from Atlanta and continued its late-season push toward October.
The Cubs have started to look like a team finding its rhythm at the right time. The lineup is producing up and down the order, the rotation is giving Chicago chances to win, and, most importantly, Crow-Armstrong has been nearly impossible to slow down. In the series opener, Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-5 with four RBIs, hitting his 42nd home run of the season to tie Billy Williams’ 1970 Cubs record for most home runs in a season by a left-handed hitter.
Crow-Armstrong doubled to right field to give Chicago a 3-0 lead before adding a two-run homer to make it 7-0. It was his seventh four-hit game of the season. David Peterson gave the Cubs exactly what they needed behind him. He allowed one run on three hits over five innings, struck out seven and improved to 5-2 in his starts. Nico Hoerner added two hits as Chicago received contributions throughout the lineup.mAtlanta threatened in the ninth, loading the bases against Ryan Zeferjahn, but the game ended with a ground-ball double play.
On Tuesday, the Cubs let a three-run lead disappear in a 6-3 loss, giving fans a reminder of their questionable bullpen. Kevin Gausman retired 16 of 18 batters before Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a home run in the sixth inning to cut into the Cubs’ lead.
The Braves offense was hot at the same time Chicago's pitching went cold. Jacob Webb was credited with the loss when Ozzie Albies delivered a big go-ahead hit as Atlanta completed the comeback. Edward Cabrera and Webb combined to allow the Braves to erase what had been a commanding Chicago advantage. The loss also officially ended the Cubs’ pursuit of the NL Central. The Brewers clinched the division, putting Chicago’s full focus on the wild-card race.
The Cubs responded Wednesday led by PCA in typical fashion. Crow-Armstrong hit home runs No. 43 and 44, giving him another multi-homer game and adding to his incredible season. It was his 23rd career multi-homer game, his seventh this season and his fifth since Aug. 5. The second homer gave Crow-Armstrong the Cubs’ single-season record for home runs by a left-handed hitter.
Alex Bregman went 3-for-4 with a home run, triple and double while driving in four runs. His homer was his 26th of the season. Shota Imanaga made sure the offense had room to work, allowing one run over six innings. The Braves entered the game with a chance to clinch the division which would be paused.
The Cubs shift to Cincinnati. Chicago remains a half-game ahead of the Phillies in the wild card race, with every game carrying more weight as the calendar moves toward October. Dansby Swanson is scheduled to return Friday, giving Chicago their gold glove star shortstop back in the lineup.
With the offense clicking, Crow-Armstrong and Bregman playing the best baseball of their season, the focus is making sure their season doesn't end anytime soon.
