Cubs vs Angels: Rivalry Renewed – Crow-Armstrong’s Heroics & Moncada’s Power Show

Table of Contents

Hook: despite limited appearances, “Cubs vs Angels” is gaining attention in 2025.
Introduce key storylines: recent game results, Crow-Armstrong’s comeback homer, Moncada’s multi-HR efforts.
Promise: deep dive into historical context, player profiles, game analysis, and what makes this matchup compelling.

Head-to-head history: Cubs hold a slight edge (13–10 all-time)
Recent trends: tightly contested games, with Cubs winning Game 1 of the current series 3–2 (Aug 22, 2025.
Background footnote: a bit of intriguing history—Los Angeles Angels were once a minor-league affiliate for the Cubs; the famed Wrigley Field (Los Angeles) hosted them for decades.

Recap: Cubs open the nine-game road trip with a 3–2 win in Anaheim.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong delivers a dramatic go-ahead ninth-inning home run: his 28th of the season, snapping a 25-game homer drought.
- Kyle Tucker also breaks a slump with a leadoff homer CBSSports.comESPN.com.
Angels’ response: Yoán Moncada homers twice—his first multi-HR game as an Angel, both powerful solo shots.
Game flow:
- Cubs’ Javier Assad strong through six innings; Moncada pulls them even later.
- Cubs bullpen seals it via Brad Keller and Daniel Palencia.
Summary: A roller-coaster opener, showcasing resilience and power from both sides.

Career backstory:
- Highly touted prospect drafted by the Mets (2020, 19th overall).
- Traded to Cubs in 2021 for Javier Báez and Trevor Williams.
Breakout and defense: gold-glove prospect in minors, strong early MLB performances (inside-the-park homer).
2025 Milestones:
- Only MLB player with more than 20 home runs and stolen bases—incredible dual threat.
- Leads NL outfielders in defensive runs saved (12).
- Named a starter in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
The Game 1 heroics: clutch homer off Kenley Jansen to win the game.
Why he matters: represents the Cubs’ future—elite defense, base running, and growing power.

Background: Former White Sox standout with strong 2019 performance; declined option, signed 1-year $5M deal with Angels in early 2025.
Season struggles & comeback: Hammpered by injuries and underperformance early, but impactful returns:
- Return against Blue Jays saw a game-changing three-run homer and big impact.
Game 1 profile: multi-HR debut as an Angel, showing patience and power even while dealing with knee inflammation.
Stats snapshot: .239 average, .330 OBP, 11 HR, 30 RBI in 59 games; playing left-only due to knee injury.
Importance: veteran bat providing stability and power, giving Angels offense a spark.

Not a traditional rivalry, but increasingly intriguing due to tight games and media attention.
Cubs: rebuilding with emerging stars (Crow-Armstrong), veteran blend, pitching depth.
Angels: young core plus experienced players like Moncada, Trout, Ward—but inconsistent offense and high strikeouts holding them back.
Pitching matchups next: Cubs seem to hold advantage in 2 of 3 probable starts—good story momentum.

Ratings

sportsjone