Cubs Deliver Dominance in 12-1 Rout of Cardinals
The Chicago Cubs showcased their offensive firepower on Friday night, demolishing the St. Louis Cardinals 12-1. This victory marked the Cubs’ sixth game this season in which they have scored at least seven runs against their division rivals, further solidifying their dominance in this matchup.
Mikolas Struggles Again
St. Louis starting pitcher Miles Mikolas faced another challenging outing against the Cubs. He surrendered four runs and three home runs, falling victim to long balls from Michael Busch, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Nico Hoerner. Earlier in the season, Mikolas had a similar experience, allowing six home runs to the Cubs during a July 4 matchup. Once again, the Cubs made him pay for his mistakes, showcasing their ability to capitalize on pitching misfires.
Historic Homers from Suzuki and Crow-Armstrong
The highlight of the night came in the seventh inning when Seiya Suzuki launched his 30th home run of the season off reliever Chris Roycroft. This significant milestone not only marked Suzuki’s entry into the exclusive 30-homer club but also aligned him with teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong, who achieved the same feat in the game. Together, they made history as the Cubs became only the second team in franchise history to feature at least three players with 30 or more home runs in a single season. The last time this happened was in 2004 when Moises Alou, Aramis Ramirez, Sammy Sosa, and Derrek Lee each finished with at least 32 home runs.
Depth of Power in the Lineup
The Cubs’ offensive strength doesn’t end with Suzuki and Crow-Armstrong. Michael Busch leads the team with 32 home runs, while Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, and Kyle Tucker have all surpassed the 20-homer mark this season. This depth in power has propelled the Cubs to rank sixth in Major League Baseball for team home runs, showcasing their ability to score runs in bunches.
Playoff Picture Tightens
While Chicago has yet to secure the No. 4 seed in the playoffs, their path is clear. The Cubs need just one more victory or a loss from the San Diego Padres in their final two games to clinch home-field advantage in the National League wild-card round. With their recent performances, the Cubs are not just aiming for a playoff spot; they are sending a message to the league about their formidable lineup and potential postseason success.
