Introduction to the Game
The Wrigley Field video board showed a couple young fans holding up a sign: “PCA, we skipped school to see you do a home run.” Their grammar suggests the truants maybe should have gone to class. But can you blame them? Pete Crow-Armstrong won’t stop rewarding Cubs fans who’d rather watch him electrify Wrigley Field than wait for the school bell to ring.
The Game Highlights
The center fielder continued his offensive onslaught, hitting a three-run homer as the centerpiece of a six-run second inning, and finished the day with four hits and six RBIs in the Cubs’ 13-3 win over the Crosstown-rival White Sox on Friday. “He’s a really special player,” Cubs starting pitcher Cade Horton said after the game. “I watched him play in high school. I always knew he was going to be a star, but this year, he’s really found a groove and it’s awesome to watch.
Player Performance
“He’s an overall great baseball player. He works hard. He knows what he’s good at. He’s going to cause chaos on the bases. He’s going to hit home runs. He’s going to make plays in center. He’s got all the tools.” Horton was supposed to be the featured player Friday as he made his first major league start, the Cubs turning to one of the top-ranked pitching prospects in baseball to help in their fight for survival with Justin Steele out for the season and Shota Imanaga on the injured list.
Team Performance
But the Cubs’ relentless bats stole the show, arguing that the best way for the team to survive without those top two arms is to let this lineup cook. “That’s the best part about this lineup,” Crow-Armstrong said, “once it starts, once we get going, it’s really fun to be a part of and it’s hard to stop us.” That was the case Friday, the Cubs erasing the 2-0 lead the Sox built on a first-inning homer with that six-run second.
Manager’s Comments
“He’s playing at a really high level right now,” manager Craig Counsell said. “It’s fun to see a player take another step. He’s taken a step defensively. He’s taken a big step offensively. It’s an impact player. “The ability with the home run now, that’s probably a pretty big surprise. But you need surprises. It’s an important one. … The ball’s exploding off his bat.”
Pitcher’s Performance
It made life a lot easier for Horton, who couldn’t solve Miguel Vargas – the Sox’ third baseman hit two homers and drove in all three of their runs – but was otherwise effective. He allowed three runs on seven hits but walked none, with a couple strikeouts, on 79 pitches across five innings. Two outings and nine innings into his big league career, Horton hasn’t walked anyone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cubs’ win over the White Sox was a testament to the team’s strong lineup and the impressive performance of Pete Crow-Armstrong. With Crow-Armstrong’s continued success and the development of young pitchers like Cade Horton, the Cubs are looking promising for the future.
FAQs
Q: Who was the star player in the Cubs’ win over the White Sox?
A: Pete Crow-Armstrong was the star player, hitting a three-run homer and finishing the day with four hits and six RBIs.
Q: Who made his first major league start for the Cubs?
A: Cade Horton made his first major league start, allowing three runs on seven hits but walking none.
Q: What is the current state of the Cubs’ pitching staff?
A: The Cubs are currently without Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga due to injury, but are looking to young pitchers like Cade Horton to fill the gap.
