On September 16, 2026, the Chicago Cubs triumphed over the Atlanta Braves 8-4 at Wrigley Field, bolstered by a historic performance from center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Why it matters: Crow-Armstrong's outstanding game helped the Cubs maintain their playoff position and solidified his status as a frontrunner for the National League MVP award.
Crow-Armstrong hit two home runs, bringing his season total to 44 and breaking the franchise record for left-handed hitters previously held by Billy Williams since 1970.
He also added an RBI triple, marking his 81st extra-base hit of the season, surpassing Williams' record of 80 for lefty batters in a single season.
The Cubs now hold a half-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL’s top Wild Card spot, with the tiebreaker secured after winning six of seven games against Philadelphia earlier this season.
Driving the news: The game showcased Crow-Armstrong's explosive talent, as he was greeted by chants of "M-V-P! M-V-P!" from the Wrigley Field crowd during the seventh inning.
His first home run came in the third inning off Braves pitcher JR Ritchie, a solo shot that traveled approximately 375 feet.
He followed that up with another homer in the seventh, marking his 13th career multi-homer game and his seventh of the current season.
Alex Bregman, another key player for the Cubs, contributed significantly, finishing just a single short of hitting for the cyclical, and helping to set the tone with an RBI double in the first inning.
State of play: Crow-Armstrong's performance has been a highlight in the Cubs' pursuit of postseason success.
Entering the game, he ranked first in WAR among all Major League players in the second half of the season, with a score of 4.0, closely followed by Bregman at 3.1.
Crow-Armstrong's 44 home runs place him in contention for the league lead, as he aims for the first 40-40 season in Cubs history, needing just a few more stolen bases to reach that milestone.
With Shohei Ohtani sidelined due to injury, Crow-Armstrong's chances for the MVP award have significantly increased as he continues to dominate at the plate.
The big picture: The Cubs are in a tight race for the playoffs, and Crow-Armstrong's recent performances are making waves across the league.
His combination of power hitting and improved plate discipline is evident, having drawn 78 walks this season, a notable increase from the 50 combined walks he recorded in the previous two seasons.
Crow-Armstrong's two homers and a triple against the Braves highlight his ability to impact games offensively, making him an invaluable asset for the Cubs.
As the regular season winds down, every game counts, and performances like Crow-Armstrong's will be key for Chicago's playoff aspirations.
What they're saying: Crow-Armstrong's teammates and fans are rallying behind him as he makes history.
After the game, Cubs players celebrated Crow-Armstrong's achievements, acknowledging the significance of surpassing a legend like Billy Williams.
Fans expressed their excitement, chanting for him as he approached the plate, demonstrating the connection he has forged with the Wrigley Field faithful.
"There's really no stopping this guy," said one enthusiastic fan, highlighting Crow-Armstrong's impact on the team and the fanbase.
By the numbers: Crow-Armstrong's stats from the game and the season paint a picture of his elite performance.
Crow-Armstrong finished the game 3-for-4, with two home runs, a triple, three RBIs, three runs scored, and a walk.
His two home runs pushed him past Williams’ previous record of 42 home runs for left-handed hitters in a single season.
With 81 extra-base hits this year, he is now the sole record-holder for most extra-base hits in a season by a left-handed hitter in Cubs history.
What's next: The Cubs look to build on this momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Chicago's playoff hopes hinge on continued strong performances from Crow-Armstrong and Bregman as they face off against other contenders in the coming weeks.
With the postseason approaching, every game will be a test of their skills and determination.
Crow-Armstrong's remarkable season has set the stage for a thrilling finish, and fans are eager to see if he can secure both a playoff berth and the MVP title.