ST. LOUIS – Pete Crow-Armstrong, a key player for the Chicago Cubs, candidly acknowledged his mistakes in a narrow 8-7 defeat against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night. This loss marks the Cubs’ third consecutive defeat, equaling their longest losing streak this season.
Immediate Impact
During the fourth inning, Crow-Armstrong made a critical error in center field by losing track of the outs, allowing Masyn Winn to score from second base. This blunder was a turning point in the game and contributed significantly to the Cubs’ loss.
“Yeah, simple as that [forgetting how many outs],” Crow-Armstrong admitted.
Key Details Emerge
Later in the game, with runners on the corners and one out, Crow-Armstrong attempted a push bunt. The ball was fielded by Cardinals’ pitcher JoJo Romero, who secured the second out. This move stifled a potential rally for the Cubs.
“I didn’t do a good job of playing the game of baseball today,” Crow-Armstrong reflected.
By the Numbers
10 Outs Above Average: Crow-Armstrong leads National League outfielders in this defensive metric.
3 Losses: The Cubs’ current losing streak, matching their season high.
Expert Analysis
Despite the errors, Crow-Armstrong has been a defensive standout this season. Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon defended his teammate, emphasizing Crow-Armstrong’s exceptional defensive skills.
“He’s been so good for us this year,” Taillon stated. “He’s one of the best defenders in baseball. That’s just a freak thing.”
Background Context
The Cubs are currently struggling, with a 1-5 record in their last six games. They risk losing consecutive series for the second time this month, as they maintain a slim 2.5-game lead over the Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central.
What Comes Next
Despite recent setbacks, Crow-Armstrong remains optimistic about the Cubs’ prospects.
“We got a very capable group, a lot of good leadership in this clubhouse,” he said. “Things haven’t gone our way, but it’s just a two-week stretch that I’m positive we’re going to get past.”
The Cubs will need to regroup quickly as they continue their series against the Cardinals, seeking to regain momentum in the competitive division race.
