The Chicago Cubs currently hold a 52-40 record and sit in second place in the National League Central. The team secured a high-scoring 9-7 victory against the Baltimore Orioles. This happened over the last 24 hours. This win clinched their third consecutive victory.
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MLB Game Recap
In an explosive slugfest at Camden Yards, the Cubs launched five home runs to overcome an early Orioles lead. Michael Conforto and Carson Kelly sparked a comeback. They hit back-to-back homers on the first two pitches of the fifth inning to tie the game. The Cubs scored five decisive runs in the seventh inning. Seiya Suzuki’s three-run shot highlighted this effort. This provided enough cushion to withstand a late Baltimore rally and secure the win.
Standout Performer
Pete Crow-Armstrong continues his historic tear, going 2-for-4 with a walk, two solo home runs, and three runs scored. His first blast came in the third inning. He became the first player in MLB this season to reach 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. His performance pushed his season batting average to .296 and his OPS to .928, further cementing his status as an elite contributor.
Key News & Notes
- Reliever Porter Hodge is on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. Ethan Roberts has been recalled to take his place in the bullpen.
- Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon is expected to make another rehab start this weekend. He continues working back from a hamstring injury. He is likely to return after the All-Star break.
- Left-hander Justin Steele was cleared to begin his throwing program this week. He is on track to begin throwing off a mound in early August.
- Reliever Phil Maton began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday. He is nearing a return from the 15-day injured list.
Farm Report
- Triple-A Iowa Cubs: Christian Bethancourt went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in a 3-1 victory over the St. Paul Saints. His second-inning blast provided the winning margin for the Cubs’ pitching staff.
- Double-A Knoxville Smokies: Owen Ayers had an impressive game, going 2-for-5. He hit a home run and drove in four RBIs. The Smokies won 9-6 against the Biloxi Shuckers. Knoxville utilized a six-run sixth inning to take control of the game.
- High-A South Bend Cubs: Matt Halbach had a notable performance. He went 1-for-4, hit a double, and contributed an RBI in a 3-2 loss to the Cedar Rapids Kernels. South Bend’s late lead evaporated in the eighth inning when they surrendered a decisive two-run homer.
- Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Jairo Diaz went 1-for-3. He hit a home run, had three RBIs, and walked twice in an 11-8 victory over the Fredericksburg Nationals. Myrtle Beach survived a back-and-forth battle that saw the teams combine for 19 runs.
- ACL Cubs: No game scheduled
Deep Dive: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Historic Pace
Pete Crow-Armstrong is putting together a sophomore campaign that challenges both franchise and league records. He reached the 20-20 milestone in just his 92nd game of the season. He now owns the two fastest runs to that mark in Cubs history. This achievement beats his own record from a year ago. He is only the third player in Cubs history to record consecutive 20-20 seasons. He joins Ryne Sandberg and Sammy Sosa. Crow-Armstrong is the first Cubs player since Sosa (1993-95) to achieve it in back-to-back years.
His blend of power and speed is historically rare across the league. PCA is the first MLB player since Alfonso Soriano in 2002-03 to achieve 20 home runs. He also accomplished 20 stolen bases before the All-Star break. He did it in consecutive years. Manager Craig Counsell noted that his ability to drive low split-finger fastballs was impressive. The two homers he hit on Wednesday show a level of maturity that has excited the organization. In his last eight games, PCA is slashing .464/.583/.929 with four homers and an improved plate discipline that has seen him record as many walks as strikeouts. This surge has elevated his WAR to 5.8, trailing only Shohei Ohtani for the league lead and putting him on pace for a potential 40-40 season.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs look for a three-game sweep of the Orioles today, sending David Peterson (4-7, 6.75 ERA) to the mound against Baltimore lefty Trevor Rogers (6-7, 4.70 ERA). Due to the threat of rain, the game time has been moved up to 1:35 p.m. ET.
Pete Crow-Armstrong isn’t just the future of the Cubs anymore; he is their present superstar. What do you think?
