Pete Crow-Armstrong Shines in Cubs’ Victory Over Pirates

Pete Crow-Armstrong electrified Cubs fans as he crossed home plate during a remarkable night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Crow-Armstrong delivered a two-run home run to the right-field seats in the seventh inning, capping a dominant 11-0 win for the Chicago Cubs. His performance included four hits, three extra-base hits, and three RBIs, making it one of his standout games.

Left-hander Shota Imanaga supported the win with six scoreless innings, leaving the Pirates without a comeback chance at PNC Park, filled with the largest crowd seen since 2024. ‘Any time you can give people something to cheer about, it means a lot,’ said Crow-Armstrong. ‘Especially when they cheer for you in an opposing stadium.’

The game featured a notable match-up between Crow-Armstrong and Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Despite an earlier strikeout, Crow-Armstrong adjusted in his next at-bat, driving an RBI double with a well-placed changeup. ‘I admire Paul as a competitor and loved facing him,’ Crow-Armstrong reflected on their rivalry. ‘It’s thrilling to face someone you respect.’

This season, Crow-Armstrong has excelled by not dwelling on challenging at-bats. His ability to make adjustments during games has been critical. After being caught looking by Skenes’ fastball earlier, Crow-Armstrong prepared for a similar pitch, adapting by connecting with a changeup for an RBI double.

As the season progresses, Crow-Armstrong’s consistent contribution places him in the National League MVP conversation. Following the game, he was the first player in MLB with a 7.0 fWAR this season, reaching a .291/.390/.544 slash line and a 156 wRC+. With challenges facing other top players, Crow-Armstrong sees a potential path to the NL MVP award if his offensive performance continues.

Manager Craig Counsell praised his confidence and growth, noting changes in Crow-Armstrong’s approach at the plate. ‘He’s become the right kind of aggressive,’ Counsell said.

Historically, the Cubs have not had an MVP since Kris Bryant in 2016, but Crow-Armstrong is on track to possibly surpass a WAR of 10.0, a rare achievement. An NL player hasn’t done so since Barry Bonds in 2004, with past Cubs players like Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, and Rogers Hornsby marking similar feats. Crow-Armstrong has the opportunity to etch his name among the best individual seasons in Cubs history by the season’s end.