​Today’s Reflections: Yawn—just another PCA milestone, it seems they arrive weekly now. The only “problem” with PCA’s 20/20 feat is that it slightly overshadowed Seiya Suzuki’s two-game stretch. On Wednesday, his three-run homer proved decisive in the Cubs’ victory. Suzuki wasn’t able to carry it all on Thursday, but he did his part with a solo shot to tie the game and an RBI-double that put the Cubs up 2-1 before the bullpen faltered and the lead slipped away.
Pitchers Colin Rea and David Peterson did their job, keeping the Cubs in the game by giving up four runs over 10 1/3 innings (3.60 ERA). Meanwhile, the bullpen seemed determined to lose Wednesday’s game and succeeded in Thursday’s. I’m curious what new milestone PCA will reach next.
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Thursday’s Game Stories:
Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune): Three takeaways from Chicago Cubs’ series win, including Suzuki snapping his slump and the starters delivering. “Two runs by the offense often won’t cut it.” View Link
Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): Suzuki clutch at the plate in a bounce-back start for Peterson against the Orioles. “On Thursday afternoon, the relief corps was unable to hold the line in a tight game at Camden Yards.” View Link
Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Craig Counsell calls out MLB ineptitude over a late-inning blown call in the Cubs-Orioles finale. “The bullpen was to blame for Thursday’s loss, but this didn’t help matters.” View Link
Wednesday’s Game Stories:
Megan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune): Pete Crow-Armstron becomes MLB’s first 20-20 player this season, with two homers in the Cubs’ 9-7 win. “Pete Crow-Armstrong isn’t showing any signs of cooling off at the plate.” View Link
Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Behind back-to-back 20-20 games, Cubs flex power with an early Home Run Derby-like onslaught. “The All-Star center fielder reached the 20-20 milestone for the second straight season with a two-homer night, part of a Cubs long-ball barrage against the Orioles.” View Link
Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): PCA’s tear continues with two more homers, again reaching 20-20. “There are only so many adjectives to describe the run Pete Crow-Armstrong has been on recently.” View Link
PCA-Mania continues. Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Curse of PCA? An ex-GM discusses the trade that sent Pete Crow-Armstrong from the Mets to the Cubs—perhaps MLB’s next infamous curse is about to emerge as the All-Star center fielder’s star continues to rise. Patrick Mooney (The Athletic): Pete Crow-Armstrong becomes a higher-profile topic for SEO. Minimum 500 words.