Crow-Armstrong powers Cubs past White Sox with historic walk-off

The Chicago Cubs secured a 7-5 victory over their crosstown rivals, the White Sox, at Wrigley Field on Monday night, driven by a historic performance from outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. The All-Star and MVP contender hit his first career walk-off home run, a two-run shot in the 10th inning, to cap the rally and end the White Sox’s three-game winning streak.

Crow-Armstrong’s impact was immediate and enduring. He launched his fifth lead-off home run of the season to open the game, setting an aggressive tone. He concluded the contest by driving a 2-1 slider from White Sox pitcher Hagen Smith deep into the right-field patio area. The blast marked his 30th home run of the year, placing him in the exclusive 30-30 club alongside his 31 stolen bases.

The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for the Cubs and provided a significant momentum shift. Crow-Armstrong, who is one home run short of his career best set last year, recorded his second consecutive 30-30 season. His celebration included pointing skyward and a slow, exuberant trot around the bases after taking his left hand off the bat.

Supporting offensive production came from Seiya Suzuki, who also homered for Chicago. In the top of the 10th inning, Cubs pitcher Jacob Webb, holding a 5-2 record, left the bases loaded, creating the opportunity for Crow-Armstrong to drive in automatic runner Carson Kelly. The Cubs’ lead-off batter finished the night 4 for 5 with a walk, contributing to the team’s offensive surge.

The White Sox, who had won six of their previous eight games and took two of three from the Cubs earlier in the season on the South Side, saw their momentum halted. Randal Grichuk and Andrew Benintendi homered for Chicago, but it was not enough to overcome the Cubs’ late-game power. The win marks a pivotal moment in the rivalry as both teams navigate the latter stages of the season.

Reporting by the Associated Press.