Crow-Armstrong's Late Heroics Propel Cubs to Victory Over Athletics

CHICAGO (AP) — In a thrilling finish, Pete Crow-Armstrong's clutch RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning sealed a dramatic 7-6 victory for the Chicago Cubs against the Oakland Athletics on Thursday night, preventing a sweep in their three-game series. Earlier in the game, Crow-Armstrong also showcased his power with a solo home run in the sixth, marking his ninth of the season.

The Cubs had been struggling, losing three consecutive games and 14 of their last 17. However, they rallied in the final inning, scoring four runs despite only managing four hits in the first eight frames. Joel Kuhnel (1-2) was unable to contain the Cubs, allowing five hits and all four runs in the ninth. Luis Medina entered the game with two outs but quickly surrendered the game-tying single to Dansby Swanson before Crow-Armstrong delivered the decisive hit, scoring Seiya Suzuki.

Ian Happ also made a significant impact for Chicago, contributing a towering 446-foot home run and three RBIs. The Cubs unleashed a six-hit ninth inning on the Athletics’ pitching staff, showcasing their ability to come alive when it mattered most. Ryan Rolison (4-1) closed out the game for Chicago, pitching the final 1 1/3 innings.

The Athletics initially appeared to be in control, with Shea Langeliers smashing two of their four home runs and driving in three runs. Tyler Soderstrom and Jonah Heim hit back-to-back homers in the seventh, extending Oakland's lead to 6-1. However, Happ's powerful two-run blast off reliever Scott Barlow reignited the Cubs' hopes.

J.T. Ginn had a strong performance for the A's, limiting the Cubs to just two hits in the first six innings while striking out eight. Langeliers’ solo home run in the fourth was confirmed after a brief review, furthering the Athletics' advantage. Cubs’ starter Shota Imanaga (4-7) faced challenges, allowing all six Oakland runs before being replaced after the seventh inning.

Looking ahead, the Athletics will send Jack Perkins (2-2, 5.46 ERA) to the mound against Peter Lambert (4-4, 3.77) as they begin a three-game series in Houston on Friday. Meanwhile, the Cubs will have RHP Ben Brown (2-2, 1.92 ERA) starting against LHP Robbie Ray (3-6, 4.45) in their next matchup against the San Francisco Giants.