BTN News: Pete Crow-Armstrong made headlines with an electrifying inside-the-park home run as the Chicago Cubs secured a 6-3 victory over the Miami Marlins on Friday night. The Cubs, now standing at a 64-65 record, kicked off their nine-game road trip in spectacular fashion, showcasing a combination of power hitting and clutch performances. Crow-Armstrong’s remarkable sprint around the bases took just 14.08 seconds, marking the fastest time in Major League Baseball since Byron Buxton’s 13.85-second dash back in August 2017, when Buxton was with the Minnesota Twins. The Cubs’ offense was further powered by home runs from Ian Happ and the Panamanian catcher Miguel Amaya, both of whom played pivotal roles in securing the win.
The game was a tightly contested affair until the eighth inning, when the Cubs broke a 3-3 deadlock. Mexican infielder Isaac Paredes stepped up in a crucial moment, smashing a double off Marlins reliever Brett de Geus to drive in the go-ahead run. Paredes’ timely hit underscored his ability to deliver under pressure, adding another highlight to his impressive season. The Cubs extended their lead in the ninth inning when Amaya crushed a two-run homer off Kent Emanuel, giving the Cubs some breathing room and sealing the victory.
Porter Hodge, who came on in relief, earned the win after pitching an inning and a third of scoreless baseball. Hodge’s steady performance on the mound was instrumental in keeping the Cubs in the game before their late-inning offensive outburst. In the ninth, Puerto Rican closer Jorge López took over, securing his fourth save of the season with a flawless inning, ensuring the Cubs walked away with a well-deserved victory.
This win was not just a display of power hitting, but also a testament to the Cubs’ depth and resilience. With contributions from key players like Paredes and Amaya, the Cubs showcased a balanced attack that could serve them well as they continue their road trip. Paredes finished the game with a 1-for-4 performance, driving in one run, while Amaya went 2-for-4, scoring twice and bringing in two more runs.
On the other side, the Marlins struggled to keep pace despite solid performances from their Dominican players. Vidal Bruján was a standout, going 2-for-3 with a run scored, while Otto López managed a hit in his three at-bats. However, the rest of the Marlins lineup couldn’t break through against the Cubs’ pitching staff, with Jesús Sánchez and others being held hitless.
The Cubs’ victory over the Marlins was a critical one as they strive to climb back to a .500 record and make a late-season push. Crow-Armstrong’s breathtaking inside-the-park home run, along with clutch performances from Paredes, Amaya, and the bullpen, highlighted a team that is hitting its stride at a crucial juncture in the season. The road trip will continue to test the Cubs, but with the momentum from this win, they are well-positioned to make a strong finish to the season.
