The Chicago White Sox decided not to risk a repeat performance from Cubs star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, choosing to intentionally walk him in the ninth inning. This decision led to a pivotal moment for the Cubs, as Alex Bregman emerged as the hero once again.
With the game tied, Bregman capitalized on the opportunity. He hit a first-pitch fastball from Sox reliever Trevor Richards, driving in Carson Kelly for a 4-3 walk-off victory. Carson Kelly set this up with a crucial double at the start of the inning.
You love these moments — sometimes you fail, but you want them every single time,Bregman said.Fortunate enough to put a good swing on the ball today.
Bregman has been performing exceptionally well recently. Prior to this game, he had a .357 average over 21 games, with nine doubles, six home runs, 17 RBIs, and a 1.104 OPS. He led MLB in hits and extra-base hits during that span.
The game included a 1-hour, 28-minute rain delay during the eighth inning. The Cubs secured their 13th walk-off win of the season, equaling their 2015 record for most in a season over the last 90 years. This outcome came despite the early exit of their starter, Kevin Gausman, due to cramping in his left thumb and hand.
Kevin Gausman acknowledged the team’s spirit by saying, That’s a lot, and it just kind of goes to show how special this team is, how special these guys are.
The Cubs came out strong against the Sox’s lefty opener, Bryan Hudson. They boast the top offense in MLB against lefties. Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch both hit solo home runs off Hudson, setting an early tone.
Sox pitcher Erick Fedde, however, delivered a strong performance. He pitched 4 2/3 innings without allowing a run, gave up three hits, struck out five, and walked two. Fedde emphasized his strategy, Did a good job of throwing inside today and tying some of the big hitters up.
Sox reliever Huascar Brazobán managed to navigate a jam in the sixth by stranding two runners, but faced challenges in the seventh after walking Miguel Amaya and Michael Conforto. Sox manager Will Venable called on Grant Taylor, who stepped up, striking out Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki. Yet, Bregman tied the game with a two-out, two-strike RBI single.
Gausman’s effective pitches were overshadowed by moments when hittable pitches were left around the plate. Consecutive singles led to a Sox run, with Drew Romo’s RBI single marking their first score in the second inning. Gausman faced Murakami in the subsequent inning, who smashed a 406-foot game-tying home run.
Gausman’s cramp became evident in the fourth inning, when his left thumb locked awkwardly. After consultations with team staff, he continued but eventually exited after the cramp persisted. Despite this, he praised Javier Assad for his relief performance. Assad delivered three shutout innings, allowed two hits, and struck out two, continuing his strong form with a 2.24 ERA since May 1.
Assad has adapted to various roles, with 64 1/3 innings pitched encompassing 10 relief appearances, two saves, seven starts, and five games finished. Cubs manager Counsell noted, Javy put the game back in order for us.