PITTSBURGH – The atmosphere was electric as Chicago Cubs fans chanted for Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Cubs center fielder had just launched a two-run home run in the seventh inning, contributing to an impressive 11-0 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Left-hander Shota Imanaga ensured the Pirates had no comeback chances, pitching six scoreless innings. The game attracted the largest crowd at PNC Park since 2024, and Crow-Armstrong gave them plenty to cheer about. Whether at Wrigley Field or away games, the cheers continue to follow him.
After his home run against the Pirates on July 25, Crow-Armstrong appreciated the support, saying, “Any time you can give people something to cheer about, chant about… Hearing people cheer for you so loudly in an opposing stadium, it’s great.”
Crow-Armstrong completed the game with three extra-base hits, including his 23rd home run, and three RBIs. He faced Pirates ace Paul Skenes twice, particularly highlighted by an RBI double in the fifth inning. Skenes had struck him out with a fastball earlier, but Crow-Armstrong adjusted and capitalized on a changeup for the double.
“I love facing Paul, he’s one of the best competitors… I admire that the most about him,” Crow-Armstrong shared about their matchup. He appreciates Skenes’ dedication and the rivalry that enhances their games.
Crow-Armstrong’s success this season partly owes to his resilience. He doesn’t allow a bad at-bat to affect him, focusing instead on in-game adjustments. This was evident when he turned a strikeout into an RBI double in his next opportunity against Skenes.
“Buying into the bigger picture and the identity of this team, I think’s really helped me personally,” Crow-Armstrong explained. He mentions managing emotions as a crucial component of maintaining composure and focus during the game.
As the season progresses, Crow-Armstrong has emerged as a strong contender for the National League MVP. He became the first MLB player this season to reach 7.0 fWAR, elevating his stats to a .291/.390/.544 slash line with a 156 wRC+.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted Crow-Armstrong’s confidence and growth, saying, “He’s got a lot of confidence right now… And that makes you the right kind of aggressive.”
The Cubs haven’t celebrated an MVP since Kris Bryant in 2016. Crow-Armstrong is on track to achieve a WAR above 10.0, a rare feat in MLB history. The possibility exists that by season’s end, he might deliver one of the finest individual seasons in Cubs history.