The Braves vs Cubs matchup at Wrigley Field delivered a standout performance from Chicago center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who powered the Cubs to a 7-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night.
Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-4 with a home run, a double and four RBIs, helping the Chicago Cubs win their third game in their last four. His performance also moved him into the Cubs record book.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Matches Cubs Home Run Record
Crow-Armstrong launched his 42nd home run of the season in the sixth inning, a two-run blast to right field against Atlanta pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver.
The homer allowed Crow-Armstrong to match Billy Williams’ Cubs record for home runs by a left-handed hitter, originally established in 1970.
The All-Star center fielder also reached another major milestone by pushing his RBI total to 102. It marked the first time in his three full major-league seasons that he had surpassed 100 RBIs.
Crow-Armstrong had already made an impact earlier in the game, hitting a two-run double into the right-field corner in the second inning. He later added another two-run double in the seventh, giving him seven four-hit games this season.
Cubs Take Control Early
Chicago built a commanding advantage before Atlanta could find its rhythm.
The Cubs jumped ahead 3-0 in the second inning, with Crow-Armstrong’s double providing a major spark. His sixth-inning homer extended the advantage and helped Chicago take a 7-0 lead.
Nico Hoerner also contributed offensively with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI.
The Cubs’ offense combined with an effective pitching performance to keep the Braves under pressure for most of the night.
David Peterson Delivers for Chicago
David Peterson earned the win after allowing just one run on three hits over six-plus innings.
The left-hander walked three and struck out seven, including Atlanta slugger Matt Olson three times. Peterson improved to 8-8 overall and 5-2 since joining the Cubs after being acquired from the New York Mets in June.
His performance was particularly important because Atlanta struggled to generate consistent offense until late in the game.
Braves Rally Falls Short
The Braves finally broke through in the seventh inning when Mike Yastrzemski hit a pinch-hit, two-run homer against Cubs reliever Javier Assad.
Atlanta added another run in the inning to cut into Chicago’s lead, but the Braves could not complete the comeback.
Atlanta put together another opportunity in the ninth inning by loading the bases. However, Ronald Acuña Jr. grounded into a game-ending double play, sealing the Cubs’ 7-3 victory.
Reynaldo Lopez Struggles in Braves Loss
Atlanta starter Reynaldo Lopez struggled in his second start after returning from the injured list.
Lopez lasted only three innings and surrendered five runs on six hits. His early exit left the Braves facing a substantial deficit that proved too difficult to overcome.
The loss dropped Lopez to 4-5 on the season.
Cubs Strengthen NL Wild-Card Position
The victory was significant beyond the individual performances.
Chicago has now won three of its last four games and moved one-half game ahead of idle Philadelphia for the top National League wild-card position.
With the postseason race entering its decisive stage, the Cubs will look to maintain their momentum as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
Braves vs Cubs: What’s Next?
The Braves vs Cubs series continues Tuesday night.
Atlanta is scheduled to send left-hander Martín Pérez to the mound. Pérez enters the game with an 8-9 record and a 3.08 ERA.
Chicago will counter with right-hander Kevin Gausman, who is 9-12 with a 4.60 ERA.
After Crow-Armstrong’s historic performance in the series opener, the Cubs will hope their offense can continue producing while they battle for a strong position in the National League playoff picture.
For Atlanta, the focus will be on responding quickly and avoiding another early deficit as the Braves attempt to make the most of the remaining games on their schedule.
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