Pete Crow-Armstrong Shines in Cubs’ Victory Over Pirates

In Pittsburgh, Chicago Cubs fans erupted in chants of “M-V-P” as Pete Crow-Armstrong crossed home plate. Crow-Armstrong had launched a two-run homer into the right-field seats during the seventh inning, rounding off a four-hit night in the Cubs’ emphatic 11-0 triumph over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga ensured no comeback hopes for the Pirates by delivering six scoreless innings.

The game took place before the largest crowd at PNC Park since 2024. Crow-Armstrong’s performance captivated fans both in Chicago and on the road. He returned to the dugout after hitting his two-run homer against the Pirates on Saturday, July 25, 2026, demonstrating his electrifying form.

“Any time you give people a reason to cheer or support us, it typically indicates you’re doing something right,” Crow-Armstrong commented. “Hearing such loud cheering in an opposing stadium feels great.” His impressive game included three extra-base hits, among them his 23rd homer and three RBIs. He also had a standout moment against Pirates ace Paul Skenes, securing a go-ahead RBI double in the fifth inning. This was particularly striking given Skenes had previously caught Crow-Armstrong looking with a fastball over the plate, resulting in a strikeout with runners on base.

I love facing Paul, he’s one of the best competitors in our sport, and I really admire that about him, Crow-Armstrong said. It’s always fun competing against someone you respect, he added, reflecting on their past matchup experiences.

Crow-Armstrong’s outstanding season is partly due to his ability to move past unsuccessful at-bats quickly. His improvements in handling competitive at-bats and making in-game adjustments have been crucial. When Skenes struck him out earlier in the game, Crow-Armstrong was determined to anticipate the next pitch correctly, allowing him to adjust effectively in their next encounter.

“Embracing the team’s bigger picture and identity has helped me personally,” he stated. “It’s about managing emotions and moving past mistakes. It’s not just about playing defense, but also competing and process-driven corrections.”

As August nears, Crow-Armstrong is being considered a contender for the National League MVP. Following his performance, he was the first MLB player to reach 7.0 fWAR this season, enhancing his stats to a slash line of .291/.390/.544 with a 156 wRC+. With Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani currently unable to pitch due to a knee issue, Crow-Armstrong has a clearer path in the NL MVP race if his offensive plays continue.

“He’s got a lot of confidence right now,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell remarked. “He’s become more effectively aggressive, knowing which pitches to go after.”

The Cubs have not won an MVP award since Kris Bryant in 2016. Crow-Armstrong is on track to achieve a WAR above 10.0, a feat accomplished only 61 times by 26 players in Major League Baseball history. The last National League player to achieve this was Barry Bonds in 2004. Notable Cubs achieving similar feats include Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, and Rogers Hornsby. By September’s end, Crow-Armstrong could have one of the finest individual seasons in Cubs history.