Crow-Armstrong’s first hit is game-winning HR as Cubs sweep Houston
First major-league hit is a home run.
That's not unusual, especially in recent Cubs history, with Christopher Morel, Ian Happ and Willson Contreras accomplishing that feat.
But not everyone starts 0-for-16 at the plate, then smashes a home run. That was the story Thursday, as Pete Crow-Armstrong finally broke through with a 2-run homer deep into the right-field bleachers in the sixth inning. It gave the Cubs a 3-1 victory and series sweep over Houston at Wrigley Field.
Crow-Armstrong described the experience as “freeing.” As he circled the bases, he pointed toward the bullpen, where he could see Luke Little standing at the door, then got a bear hug from Dansby Swanson after crossing home plate.
“That was by far the best part of that hit, that swing, all of that, was getting to embrace the people who have been in my corner since all of them met me,” Crow-Armstrong said. “It felt great to get that one out of the way. Sharing that with guys who really helped me get there was special.”
The victory lifted the Cubs' record to 16-9, including 10-3 at home, and summarized the state of the team through 25 games.
Cubs starting pitchers could be among the best in MLB. Take away Kyle Hendricks' rough start and Cubs starters have posted a 2.20 ERA so far this season.
Javier Assad did his part Thursday. He didn't get the win, because he left the mound with two outs in the sixth while trailing 1-0. But Assad limited Houston to 1 run, 4 hits and lowered his season ERA to 2.00.
“The two-seam fastball is really giving hitters problems,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said.
The offense has felt a little disjointed. Other than Michael Busch's home run streak last week, there hasn't been a single standout, and Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki are on the injured list.
But as of Thursday afternoon, the Cubs ranked seventh in MLB in runs scored, tied for sixth in home runs, fifth in slugging and sixth in OPS.
This is a pretty good offense, even if it does fit into the “different person every day” category. Nico Hoerner went 3-for-5 Thursday to lift his average to .300. Mike Tauchman drew three walks and added a single. His on-base percentage of .437 would rank third in MLB if he had enough at-bats to qualify.
Despite the traffic the Cubs couldn't score against Houston's Justin Verlander, 41, who was pitching at Wrigley for the first time since 2012. But they managed to knock him out of the game in the fifth inning after throwing 95 pitches.
Swanson and Nick Madrigal started the sixth-inning rally with singles. Miguel Amaya tied the score with what would have been a bloop single but became an RBI fielder's choice because Madrigal was forced at second.
Crow-Armstrong followed by lifting Bryan Abreu's second pitch into the bleachers. PCA said he traded the ball for an autographed bat.
Counsell talked about how it's unfair for top-rated prospects like Crow-Armstrong to be put under such pressure become a big-league star. He's far from the only player who struggled in his big-league debut, which began last September.
“Do what you're good at and that's enough for this team,” Counsell said. “It's all we're asking for. Today he made a big contribution. But he can make small contributions and those will be enough at this stage of his career.
“Today he took a swing that won us the ballgame. Tomorrow, a great defensive play is fine, a good base-running play is plenty.”
Crow-Armstrong didn't complain about the pressure, saying his own expectations are more severe.
“Being in my position coming up to this team is moreso exciting than anything,” Crow-Armstrong said. “You're in the wrong place if you're not trying to win.
“Getting to come into a situation like this is pretty cool. Not many people get to do that coming up. If anything, it just takes pressure off me, knowing I'm here because I will be impacting and trusting in what ‘Couns’ wants to use me for.”
Twitter: @McGrawDHSports