The Chicago Cubs’ 13-6 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on May 23, 2025, was more than just a game—it was a masterclass in resilience, offensive firepower, and the rise of a new star. At the heart of this thrilling comeback was 23-year-old phenom Pete Crow-Armstrong, whose two home runs, including a go-ahead grand slam, cemented his status as one of baseball’s most electrifying young talents. Here’s how the Cubs turned a four-run deficit into a statement win, rewriting record books and reigniting their NL Central dominance.
A Rocky Start and a Spark of Hope
The game began disastrously for the Cubs. Reds starter Hunter Greene, returning from a groin injury, initially dominated, striking out Ian Happ on a 99.2 mph fastball in the first inning . Cincinnati’s offense then erupted against Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd, scoring three runs in the first inning via RBI singles from Santiago Espinal and Austin Hays, followed by Spencer Steer’s double . A wild pitch in the third extended the Reds’ lead to 4-0, leaving the Cubs scrambling .
But Crow-Armstrong provided the first spark. In the fourth inning, he crushed a 99.9 mph fastball from Greene into the right-center seats for a two-run homer, cutting the deficit to 4-2 . This marked his 13th home run of the season and showcased his ability to thrive under pressure.
The Seventh-Inning Fireworks
Trailing 6-2 in the seventh, the Cubs’ offense exploded. Nico Hoerner’s heads-up baserunning—dodging a tag at second base on a grounder—kept the inning alive, setting the stage for chaos . Ian Happ’s bloop single, which Reds infielder Santiago Espinal misplayed, loaded the bases . Kyle Tucker then ripped a two-run single off reliever Tony Santillan, narrowing the gap to 6-4 .
With the bases loaded again, Crow-Armstrong stepped up. Expecting a fastball, he instead hammered a hanging slider from Santillan down the right-field line. The ball clanked off the foul pole for a grand slam, his first in the majors, flipping the game to an 8-6 Cubs lead . The moment was surreal: Crow-Armstrong stood at the plate, watched the ball’s trajectory, and unleashed a celebratory bat flip as the Cubs’ dugout erupted .
This historic slam made Crow-Armstrong the first Cubs player since 1920 to record two six-RBI games in a calendar month, a feat last achieved in the majors by Derek Dietrich in 2019 .
Sealing the Deal: Late-Inning Dominance
The Cubs weren’t done. Seiya Suzuki, locked in a friendly RBI race with Crow-Armstrong, blasted a three-run homer in the eighth off Brent Suter, stretching the lead to 11-6 . Dansby Swanson added a two-run shot in the ninth, capping an 11-run onslaught over the final three innings . The offensive explosion underscored the Cubs’ league-leading 11th game with 10+ runs this season, their most since 1898 .
Historic Achievements and Emerging Legacy
Crow-Armstrong’s night was statistically monumental:
- He joined Eric Davis (1987) and Ken Williams (1922) as the only players since 1920 with 14+ HR, 14+ SB, and 45+ RBI through 51 games .
- His 14 homers in 34 games placed him alongside Cubs legends Sammy Sosa and Hank Sauer .
- At 23, he became one of the youngest NL players ever with multiple six-RBI games, a list that includes Mel Ott and Wilmer Flores .
Manager Craig Counsell praised his “unique” impact, noting, “He does things other guys can’t do. That’s why fans chant his name” .
The Reds’ Collapse and Reflections
For Cincinnati, the loss was a gut punch. Despite Hunter Greene’s strong return (4 IP, 2 ER), the bullpen imploded, allowing 11 runs over the final three innings . Critical defensive miscues—like Espinal’s missed catch and Matt McLain’s failed tag—proved costly . Manager Terry Francona lamented the missed opportunities but vowed to regroup: “We’ve got to find a way to beat them tomorrow” .
Conclusion: A Team Built for Moments
The Cubs’ victory epitomized their 2025 identity: relentless, explosive, and never out of a game. From Crow-Armstrong’s heroics to Suzuki’s clutch hitting, the team showcased depth and resilience. As Dansby Swanson noted, “Guys are taking such great at-bats, regardless of the score. It’s a standard we’re about” .
For the Reds, the game highlighted ongoing bullpen and defensive woes. But for the Cubs, it was another chapter in a season where Pete Crow-Armstrong isn’t just rising—he’s soaring. As the NL Central race heats up, Chicago’s blend of youth and experience makes them a force to reckon with, one grand slam at a time.
For further details, visit MLB.com or the Chicago Tribune.
