Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya was quick to react when Pete Crow-Armstrong slammed the ball with his bat, sending it towards center field. The Cubs star, a candidate for the National League MVP, hit a fly ball at 106.4 mph in the third inning, aiming for the furthest area of the park. It seemed he might give the team an early lead, but the wind hindered his efforts. At the start of the game, it blew in at 10 mph and pushed the ball back 18 feet. The scoreboard at Wrigley Field displayed this setback. Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz captured the ball for the second out, leaving Amaya to return to first base.
Two innings later, Crow-Armstrong made another powerful hit—this time at 103.2 mph. Once more, Cruz was ready and caught the ball, preventing runs. These swings missed their mark and resulted in three runs disappearing, contributing to the Cubs’ 4-3 loss to the Pirates on Sunday. Now, the Cubs hold an 83-67 record, tying them with the Philadelphia Phillies for the top NL wild-card spot. They maintain the tiebreaker against the Phillies by winning the season series 6-1.
“Look, some days it plays for you, the hitter, some days it plays against,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell, discussing the weather impact. “It’s random on who it affects, and who it helps, and who it hurts. It hurt us today. Some days it helps us. We can be mad about it, but there’s nothing we can do about it. If it’s out of our control, it’s hard to focus too much on it.”
The Cubs aim to concentrate on controllable elements, especially with only 12 games remaining in the season and the postseason looming. Sunday also highlighted pitcher Daniel Palencia’s performance. Previously the Cubs’ closer in 2025, Palencia struggled after overcoming right-elbow inflammation that kept him sidelined for two months. He posted a 9.95 ERA in seven appearances following a scoreless inning in his comeback game. Issues extend beyond the visible statistics. In May, Palencia’s four-seam fastball averaged 99.9 mph compared to 98.2 mph in September. His career-low 6.1% whiff rate that month was drastically reduced from last season’s 27.5%.
On Sunday, Palencia achieved five swings-and-misses on 18 pitches, averaged a fastball speed of 98.8 mph, reached triple digits with his four-seamer, and struck out Bryan Reynolds, ending the ninth inning. “Definitely, I feel better. I feel in a good spot right now,” Palencia said. “I feel more confident in myself. I just go there and just trying to enjoy the game, have fun and being healthy. When I’m doing that, everything’s working, so, right now, I’m just trying to be a kid playing baseball.”
The Cubs recognize to remedy recent bullpen problems, in-house improvements are crucial. Solutions may not arise from injured players nearing a return or minor league prospects. The current bullpen must elevate their performance. For Palencia, game experience matters. Sunday marked his 28th outing this year, contrasting with 60 appearances last season throughout regular play and playoffs.
Cubs’ manager Counsell remarked, “I thought it was Danny’s best outing since he’s been off the injured list, absolutely. That was encouraging to see. That’s why you just keep putting them out there. When it happens, or did he figure out something in this outing? Did he feel something? It’s going to happen on the mound. It’s encouraging to see, and hopefully we can build on it.”
Besides the performance, Palencia’s celebration after striking out Reynolds captured attention. His animated reactions to key moments earned him popularity among Cubs fans during last season’s playoffs, accompanied by his walkout music and stadium light show.
“Yeah, because that’s me,” Palencia said about showing emotions after the final out. “I’m just trying to enjoy the baseball. I’m having fun right now. I am on a good team. I like (being) with those guys. Everybody here is playing for wins. That’s me.”
Andy Martinez is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.