Hours before the game at Wrigley Field, Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Chicago Cubs’ standout center fielder, began his practice routine at home plate. While he typically prefers the controlled environment of a batting cage, he ventured onto the field for some swings off a tee. He also hit front flips from assistant hitting coach John Mallee to study the ball’s trajectory.
Despite a recent slump, hitting .128 with a .227 on-base percentage over his last nine games, Crow-Armstrong’s mindset shifted effortlessly during the City Series opener against the White Sox. He emphasized that his recent performance was mere temporary difficulty: “It’s pedal to the metal—have some conviction in the swings that you’re taking.”
His determination paid off handsomely. Crow-Armstrong hit a home run off the first pitch of the game, delivered by Sox starter Luis Castillo. Later in the tenth inning, he smashed a walk-off two-run home run, sealing a 7-5 Cubs win.
“I didn’t want to waste any chances,” Crow-Armstrong said after his first career walk-off home run.
This performance added to Crow-Armstrong’s remarkable season. He achieved a 30-home-run and 30-stolen-base milestone, a feat only ten players in Major League Baseball history have accomplished in consecutive years. He joined Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. in achieving multiple seasons of 30-30 by age 24.
On this eventful night, Crow-Armstrong contributed two home runs, a double, a single, a walk, a strikeout, a stolen base, two runs, and three RBIs. His efforts increased his season total by 0.5 fWAR, a stat higher than noted players like Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker.
Hitting coach Dustin Kelly noted, “The MVP stuff is real. Pitchers are definitely not willing to make mistakes with him.” Crow-Armstrong’s aggressive play style challenges pitchers as they attempt to avoid costly errors.
The decision by Sox manager Will Venable not to walk Crow-Armstrong, despite first base being open, resulted in a left-on-left matchup that favored the Cubs. Alex Bregman’s ninth-inning walk set up Nico Hoerner’s crucial game-tying hit, enhancing Crow-Armstrong’s performance.
Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga struck out 10 in six innings, while reliever Jacob Webb continued his scoreless streak into the tenth inning. The crowd of 40,354 at Wrigley Field echoed with chants of “P-C-A,” showcasing strong support for Crow-Armstrong.
“With conviction maybe comes some peace and calm,” Crow-Armstrong reflected after the victory.
His confident mindset allowed him to play aggressively without hesitation, leading to positive results against skilled opponents.
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