Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered a stellar performance on July 10, blasting two home runs and collecting three hits in an 8-1 rout of the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The 23-year-old phenom now sits just one home run shy of matching Kris Bryant’s franchise record for the most home runs by a Cubs player in an age-23 season.
Crow-Armstrong’s offensive outburst was instrumental in halting the Cubs’ recent skid. His two-homer game marked his fifth multi-home run performance of the 2025 season, adding to an already impressive campaign. Along with his pair of long balls, he added a hustle double and drew a walk, demonstrating his versatility at the plate. With this performance, he became just the fourth-fastest player in Major League Baseball history to reach both 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in a single season within his first 92 games—joining elite company in Eric Davis, Alfonso Soriano, and Bobby Bonds.
The Cubs’ offense came alive in the series finale, racking up 14 hits against a beleaguered Minnesota pitching staff. Contributions came from across the lineup, with Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Michael Busch all delivering timely hits to keep the pressure on. This offensive resurgence came after two quieter games earlier in the series, and it served as a crucial morale boost as the team looks to maintain momentum into the second half of the season.
On the mound, right-hander Colin Rea provided stability and efficiency, tossing seven innings of one-run ball and lowering his ERA to 3.91. Rea kept Twins hitters off balance throughout, scattering five hits while striking out four. Brad Keller and Daniel Palencia combined to pitch the final two innings, preserving the victory and giving the Cubs’ bullpen a light day of work.
The win was more than just a morale boost—it allowed the Cubs to avoid a series sweep and maintain a unique distinction this season: they have not been swept in any series of three games or longer. That consistency has helped keep them competitive in the tightly contested National League Central, where every win has playoff implications.
Crow-Armstrong’s rapid development has emerged as a major storyline for the Cubs this season. Drafted 19th overall by the Mets in 2020 and acquired by the Cubs in the 2021 Javier Báez trade, the center fielder has swiftly blossomed into one of the most dynamic young players in the league. His combination of power, speed, and defense has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite two-way talents.
Manager Craig Counsell praised Crow-Armstrong’s continued growth, noting that the young star “brings energy, intelligence, and a winning mindset to the field every day.” Counsell added, “He’s maturing quickly and understands the responsibility that comes with being a key player on a contending team.”
The Cubs now shift their focus to a high-profile three-game series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. The matchup pits two iconic franchises against each other in what could be a measuring stick for Chicago as it eyes a postseason run. The Yankees, currently jockeying for position in the American League East, boast a potent lineup led by Aaron Judge and a strong pitching corps.
As the Cubs approach the All-Star break, Crow-Armstrong’s chase of Bryant’s home run record is becoming one of the league’s more compelling individual storylines. Should he tie or surpass the mark, it would further cement his breakout 2025 season as one for the record books and enhance his growing reputation as a franchise cornerstone.
With half the season still to play and a playoff berth within reach, the Cubs will be relying on Crow-Armstrong’s continued excellence both at the plate and in the field. His July 10 performance was not just a statistical milestone—it was a statement of intent.
