CHICAGO — In an electrifying game on Wednesday night, Pete Crow-Armstrong displayed his All-Star caliber talent, registering two hits and driving in two runs as the Chicago Cubs narrowly edged out the Cleveland Guardians 5-4. This performance comes after Crow-Armstrong was honored with his first career selection as an All-Star starter. Meanwhile, the Cubs got a strong performance from pitcher Shota Imanaga, who notched his second consecutive win since coming back from a hamstring injury.
The Cubs began July with back-to-back victories against Cleveland, showing resilience after a somewhat shaky end to June in which they lost seven out of their last eleven games. This mini surge has kept them at the top of the National League Central division with a record of 51-35.
On the flip side, the Cleveland Guardians are in a slump, dropping six consecutive games, and now their record sits at 40-44. In an effort to change their fortunes, the Guardians looked to Carlos Santana, Lane Thomas, and David Fry, all of whom managed to belt solo home runs. Nevertheless, the team couldn’t capitalize as they fell short in clutch moments with runners on base.
Imanaga’s performance was pivotal, going 5 1/3 innings while allowing three earned runs and striking out four. Opposing pitcher Tanner Bibee struggled, conceding five earned runs in just four innings, which played a significant role in Cleveland’s loss.
The game’s tension rose when Santana and Thomas launched back-to-back home runs in the second inning, both of which landed neatly in the left-field basket. David Fry further expanded on the lead with a homer in the third inning. However, the Cubs urgently responded; aided by Seiya Suzuki’s two-run single and a well-placed triple by Crow-Armstrong, they surged ahead 5-3 in the fourth inning.
Cleveland’s Steven Kwan gave a last-ditch effort with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning, closing the gap to 5-4, but Daniel Palencia secured the victory for the Cubs and earned his 10th save of the season by recording the final out.
A crucial turning point in the contest was Suzuki’s run-scoring double, coupled with Crow-Armstrong’s consistent ability to drive in runs, initiating Chicago’s striking comeback. Notably, the Guardians could not seize opportunities, going hitless in four attempts with runners in scoring position, leaving seven players stranded on base. In contrast, the Cubs proved more effective in those scenarios, managing three hits.
Looking ahead, the Chicago right-hander Cade Horton, with a 3-2 record and a 4.80 ERA, is expected to face Cleveland’s righty Luis Ortiz, holding a 4-9 record and a 4.36 ERA, in Thursday’s continuation of this rivalry.