Crow-Armstrong sets Cubs record with second 6-RBI game in a single month

 

CINCINNATI — Wherever Craig Counsell slots Pete Crow-Armstrong in the Chicago Cubs lineup, the young center fielder continues to deliver at an impressive pace.

Crow-Armstrong’s first career grand slam came in the seventh inning of Friday’s 13-6 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, making him the first Cubs player since RBIs became an official stat in 1920 to record two games with six or more RBIs within a single month.

The 23-year-old outfielder, who hit cleanup Friday, had previously driven in six runs from the leadoff spot during the Cubs’ 13-3 win over the White Sox on May 16.

“It’s pretty cool,” Crow-Armstrong said. “There are always interesting stats in this game, and I’m starting to notice them. I’m lucky to move around in the lineup and get many opportunities, but none of this happens without my teammates getting on base.”

According to ESPN Research, the last Cub to tally six or more RBIs in a game was Kris Bryant during his 2016 MVP campaign. Among National League players aged 23 or younger, only Wilmer Flores (2014) and Mel Ott (1930) have had multiple games with six-plus RBIs in a season—both twice.

Crow-Armstrong also hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning Friday. Trailing 6-4 with two outs in the seventh, he crushed Tony Santillan’s slider off the right-field foul pole, giving the Cubs the lead for good. This marked his fourth career multihomer game and second this season.

After the swing, Crow-Armstrong mimicked a golfer watching his shot’s trajectory before unleashing an emphatic bat flip as the ball caromed off the pole. He celebrated enthusiastically around the bases.

“I thought it was going foul, but then it stayed fair,” he said. “I’ve learned to enjoy moments like these. Seeing the reaction in the dugout after that ball hit the pole is really rewarding. Baseball is about cherishing those moments, and we’ve had plenty this year.”

Crow-Armstrong ranks tied for seventh in MLB with 14 home runs—all coming in the last 34 games. He is just the third Cub since 1901 to hit 14 or more homers in that span, joining Sammy Sosa and Hank Sauer, who accomplished the feat twice.

He also ranks third in the majors with 45 RBIs and is tied for sixth with 14 stolen bases.

Elias Sports Bureau notes Crow-Armstrong is only the third player since 1920 with at least 14 homers, 14 steals, and 45 RBIs in the first 51 games of a season. Eric Davis did it with the Reds in 1987, and Ken Williams achieved it in 1922 with the St. Louis Browns.

“There’s no doubt Pete’s doing some unique things,” Counsell said. “He does things other players can’t, which makes him a joy to watch. That’s why fans chant his name so often. We’re fortunate to witness this.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.