Pete Crow-Armstrong hits two homers as Cubs sweep Dodgers in thriller
Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as the National League MVP favourite after hitting two home runs to guide the Chicago Cubs to a 7-6 series-sweeping victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The standout centre-fielder outperformed Shohei Ohtani in a thrilling encounter at Wrigley Field, where the Dodgers’ designated hitter also blasted two balls into the stands.
The narrow victory completed a highly impressive three-game sweep for Chicago against the two-time defending World Series champions.
Crow-Armstrong takes MVP advantage
Following the statement performance, the 24-year-old overtook Ohtani in the betting odds to claim his first Most Valuable Player award.
He finished the game with a double and four runs batted in, while posting an elite .938 on-base plus slugging percentage for the season.
The top-rated defender later admitted that the growing individual accolades were enjoyable to consider alongside team success.
“I would be crazy to say that I don’t want to win an MVP, but if we’re talking about having priorities straight, I think mine are pretty straight,” he said.
“It’s not on the forefront of my mind. It’s fun to joke about it, and it’s fun to acknowledge, but it’s not like following me up to the plate.”
Ohtani injury opens the door
The Japanese superstar kept up his end of the bargain on Wednesday, collecting three hits and driving in three of Los Angeles’ six runs.
However, the former two-way phenomenon has been restricted strictly to hitting duties since early July due to left knee soreness.
Ohtani stated he is confident of returning to the mound at some point this season, though he acknowledged his recovery schedule remains uncertain.
“He’s a great player, but I’m really focused on myself right now,” Ohtani said through a translator.
Historic milestones at Wrigley Field
Both sluggers launched home runs to lead off the game, marking only the second time in Wrigley Field history since 1913 that opposing teams have achieved the feat.
The dynamic Cubs prospect continued his remarkable form by adding a second blast in the fourth inning off left-hander Eric Lauer.
That pivotal strike brought his season tally to 25, making him the first player in franchise history to record consecutive campaigns with at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases.
Furthermore, his 67 career home runs rank as the second-most in team history for a player before the age of 25, trailing only Hall of Famer Ron Santo.
“I think it’s fun watching Pete have this season,” Chicago manager Craig Counsell reflected. “It’s a season you remember.”
Despite the individual praise, the in-form outfielder remained firmly focused on team success as the postseason approaches.
“I would feel much more accomplished taking them down at some point,” Crow-Armstrong concluded. “I want to see this group in October.”