Cubs’ Crow-Armstrong Makes History with 30-30-30 Club
The Chicago Cubs showcased their prowess once again on Friday night, demolishing the St. Louis Cardinals with a decisive 12-1 victory that underscored their late-season momentum. This game not only added to the struggles of Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas but also marked a historic milestone for Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Mikolas Faces Another Tough Night
This season has been a challenging one for Mikolas, who earlier made headlines on July 4 for allowing six home runs in a single game, a feat that tied a major league record. Unfortunately for the right-hander, the Cubs’ lineup continued to exploit his weaknesses, sending three more balls over the fence during this contest. Crow-Armstrong was the standout performer, launching his 30th home run of the year, while teammates Nico Hoerner and Michael Busch also contributed with homers of their own.
Crow-Armstrong Joins Elite Company
At just 23 years old, Crow-Armstrong’s home run not only added to his impressive season totals but also placed him in an exclusive club. By reaching 30 home runs and stealing 30 bases, he became the second player in Cubs history to accomplish this feat, a distinction previously held by the legendary Sammy Sosa. Moreover, Crow-Armstrong’s significant achievement doesn’t end there; he also recorded 30 doubles, making him the first Cubs player ever to hit at least 30 home runs, swipe 30 bases, and notch 30 doubles in the same season.
A Dominant Matchup
The narrative of Crow-Armstrong versus Mikolas has developed into one of the most lopsided matchups in the National League. Throughout his career, Crow-Armstrong has had Mikolas’s number, boasting an impressive 7-for-9 record against him, which includes five home runs. Two of those encounters featured multiple home runs off the veteran pitcher, highlighting Crow-Armstrong’s ability to dominate this particular matchup.
Looking Ahead
As the Cubs continue their push toward the postseason, they prepare to conclude their weekend series against the Cardinals. Having already secured a playoff spot, the focus now shifts to obtaining home-field advantage in the upcoming National League wild-card round, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 30. With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Cubs need either a victory in one of those contests or a loss from the San Diego Padres to clinch the coveted No. 4 seed, allowing them to host the first playoff round at Wrigley Field.
