Pete Crow-Armstrong Shines in Cubs’ Victory
In a quiet Wrigley Field, Pete Crow-Armstrong took to practicing by hitting off a tee before a Monday game. Despite his usual preference for controlled batting cage practice, he wanted to observe the ball’s flight on the field with assistant coach John Mallee.
Recently, Crow-Armstrong faced a challenging period, struggling at the plate over his last nine games, including a 1-for-20 streak. This led to talks about maintaining perspective during downturns. By Monday, he shifted his mindset to a more assertive approach, embracing risk in his swings.
His efforts paid off against the White Sox. Crow-Armstrong hit a leadoff home run on the first pitch and later delivered a walk-off two-run homer in the 10th inning, securing a 7-5 win for the Cubs. By doing so, he became the first MLB player since 1957 to have a leadoff and walk-off home run in the same game.
After the game, Crow-Armstrong spoke about his approach, stating, “I didn’t want to waste any chances.” He emphasized conviction in facing Luis Castillo, acknowledging the strong opposition the White Sox pitchers posed.
His standout performance also marked his second consecutive 30-home-run, 30-stolen-base season. This feat puts him among just ten players in MLB history to achieve such success in back-to-back years. His manager, Craig Counsell, acknowledged the impact of this achievement.
Additionally, Crow-Armstrong collected a double, a single, and contributed three RBIs. This raised his fWAR to a notable 0.5 for the season. For comparison, several high-profile players have achieved less.
Hitting coach Dustin Kelly highlighted Crow-Armstrong’s ability to manage peaks and valleys in performance. Kelly noted the increased strategic focus from opposing teams, yet praised the player’s ability to maintain composure.
During the intense game, his performance was deemed vital, with the decision of White Sox manager Will Venable being a pivotal moment. Despite the potential to walk Crow-Armstrong, Venable chose a lefty-lefty matchup.
The contributions of players like Alex Bregman and Nico Hoerner were also crucial. Left-hander Shota Imanaga delivered an excellent start, while reliever Jacob Webb extended a personal streak of scoreless appearances. The Cubs’ crowd, anticipating key plays, cheered Crow-Armstrong on in the final innings.
Throughout the game, Crow-Armstrong strove for offensive excellence, focusing on delivering quality swings and maintaining confidence at the plate. His approach reflects a blend of aggressive and calm play, geared towards sustained success.