Crow-Armstrong Hits Three Homers as Cubs Crush Reds in Anniversary Game
Pete Crow-Armstrong hit three home runs as the Chicago Cubs routed the Cincinnati Reds 17-5 at Wrigley Field. The Cubs collected 19 hits and four homers total, with Kevin Gausman earning the win despite allowing five runs. The game was part of the franchise's 150th anniversary celebration, with many former players in attendance.
Crow-Armstrong's first homer came on the game's second pitch, a 435-foot leadoff shot that marked his eighth such blast of the season. He later added a two-run homer in the second inning and a third in the seventh off Tony Santillan, finishing with MVP chants ringing through Wrigley. Alex Bregman contributed a two-run homer and Carson Kelly added a three-run blast, while the bullpen held Cincinnati to one hit over the final four frames.
The anniversary celebration featured numerous former Cubs legends in attendance, including Sammy Sosa, who reportedly predicted Crow-Armstrong's three-homer day before the game. The Cubs improved to 77-59 with the win, while the Reds fell to 64-72.
This performance could significantly bolster Crow-Armstrong's NL MVP candidacy, potentially shaping award voting and fan engagement across the league. The anniversary game's nostalgic atmosphere may strengthen the Cubs' connection with their fanbase, while the lopsided result could impact Cincinnati's morale as they play out a losing season. For baseball observers, the game reinforces how individual star performances can define a franchise's celebratory moments.