Pete Crow-Armstrong put on a show at PNC Park, going 4-for-5 with a homer and three RBI as the Chicago Cubs steamrolled the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-0 on Saturday night.
The Cubs broke it open in the middle innings against Paul Skenes. Crow-Armstrong doubled home a run in the fifth, then Seiya Suzuki followed with a two-run single to make it 3-0. The sixth turned into a five-run explosion featuring doubles, singles, and more production from the top of the order. Crow-Armstrong later launched a two-run shot in the seventh to push the lead to 10-0.
Shota Imanaga was dealing on the mound, tossing six scoreless innings with four hits allowed and four strikeouts. Javier Assad finished it off with three perfect frames for the save. Skenes struck out 11 but surrendered five earned runs over 5.1 innings in a tough outing.
Michael Busch added three hits and two RBI, while Dansby Swanson and Miguel Amaya each chipped in multi-hit efforts and key runs. The Cubs piled up 16 hits total and improved to 59-45, sitting six games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central. Pittsburgh dropped to 53-52 and has now lost three straight.
This was a complete team win for Chicago, who lead the season series 2-0. Crow-Armstrong continues his strong campaign, flashing the speed, power, and contact that make him a constant threat. For the Pirates, the offense never got going against Imanaga's mix, managing just five hits all night.
Cubs fans have to love the way this club is rolling into the final stretch, blending elite defense, timely hitting, and solid starting pitching. Next up, they look to complete the series sweep.