The Chicago Cubs currently hold a 34-31 record after a thrilling victory at Wrigley Field. The club secured its Major League-leading eighth walk-off win of the season. They defeated the San Francisco Giants 3-2 in 10 innings.
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MLB Game Recap
Behind a stellar start from Ben Brown (5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 5 K), the Cubs overcame two late deficits thanks to game-tying solo home runs from Pete Crow-Armstrong in the sixth and ninth innings. Ryan Rolison pitched a scoreless 10th inning and earned the win. Michael Busch then grounded a single to right. This hit scored an automatic runner, Dansby Swanson, due to a Victor Bericoto fielding error. The victory snapped the Giants’ three-game winning streak and marked the Cubs’ second walk-off in three days.
Standout Performer
Pete Crow-Armstrong finished the day 4-for-5 with two solo home runs and a spectacular sliding catch in center field. His second blast was a 403-foot shot with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. It tied the game and extended his hitting streak to a career-high 11 games. Crow-Armstrong hit two game-tying homers in the ninth or later. He joined franchise legends like Ryan Sandberg and Ernie Banks. He is now one of the few Cubs to achieve the feat since 1920.
Key News & Notes
The Cubs shuffled their roster on Saturday, recalling Javier Assad from Triple-A Iowa and optioning Ethan Roberts. The organization also signed free agent Andrew Wantz to a minor league contract. In injury news, Matt Shaw (back tightness) continued his rehab assignment with Iowa. Matthew Boyd (meniscus) made a scheduled rehab start. He threw 80 pitches over five innings.
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Farm Report
- Triple-A Iowa: Matthew Boyd earned the win in game one of a doubleheader, allowing five runs over 5.0 innings in a 7-5 victory, while Brett Bateman went 3-for-4 with a double and a stolen base. The team earned a split on the day but lost game two 8-1 to the Toledo Mud Hens.
- Double-A Knoxville: Jefferson Rojas had an outstanding performance. He went 3-for-3 with two home runs. He also hit a double and contributed three RBIs in a 14-5 rout of Birmingham. One of Rojas’s home runs reportedly struck a nearby building during his dominant offensive performance.
- High-A South Bend: Josiah Hartshorn finished 3-for-5. He hit a home run and a double. The Cubs crushed Quad Cities 13-2. Hartshorn led a 12-hit attack that saw the Cubs score five runs in the fourth and three in the seventh.
- Single-A Myrtle Beach: Alexis Hernandez went 1-for-4 with an RBI. However, the Pelicans dropped their sixth straight game in a 4-2 loss to Charleston. The Pelicans tied the game in the sixth but surrendered two runs in the eighth to the RiverDogs.
- ACL Cubs: Joan Delgado went 1-for-3 with a home run. He also had two walks and two stolen bases. Despite his performance, the team faced a 5-3 loss to the ACL Giants. The Cubs’ pitching staff combined for 13 strikeouts but was hampered by an early four-run deficit.
Deep Dive: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Offensive Transformation
Pete Crow-Armstrong has significantly altered his offensive trajectory during his career-high 11-game hitting streak, posting a .413 average with five home runs over that span. Analysts and teammates have noted a “quieter” and “freer” approach at the plate. These changes followed adjustments to his batting stance and hand positioning. Crow-Armstrong credited veteran Alex Bregman for advice on mental preparation. Bregman specifically helped him develop a concrete game plan before entering the batter’s box. His focus was clear during his ninth-inning home run on Saturday. He “sold out” on a changeup from Keaton Winn.
Manager Craig Counsell emphasized that Crow-Armstrong is “growing up.” He highlighted his resilience. He noted how Crow-Armstrong bounced back from a fielding gaffe earlier in the week. Crow-Armstrong was initially lauded primarily for his elite defense. His recent power surge has added a necessary dimension to the Cubs offense. The offense had struggled for consistency. His teammates have described him as a leader who plays at “150%.” They say he possesses a “clutch gene” that helps him deliver in high-pressure moments.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs conclude their series against San Francisco on Sunday night with Jameson Taillon (2-5, 5.13 ERA) facing Giants Trevor McDonald (2-3, 4.50 ERA).
