Pete Crow-Armstrong Joins Cubs' 20-20 Club Amid Homer Barrage

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 9, 2026

The Chicago Cubs defeated the Baltimore Orioles 9-7 in a game featuring nine home runs, highlighted by Pete Crow-Armstrong’s two homers and his achievement of consecutive 20-20 seasons, a rare feat in franchise history. This victory marked the Cubs’ fourth straight road series win as they rely on Crow-Armstrong’s continuing surge and await the return of key pitchers Justin Steele and Phil Maton from injury.

BALTIMORE — The Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles combined for an offensive showcase Wednesday night at Camden Yards, hitting a total of nine home runs in a back-and-forth contest that ended with the Cubs prevailing 9-7. The victory secured Chicago’s fourth consecutive series win on the road.

Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was a central figure in the evening’s power display, launching two home runs and solidifying his status as one of baseball’s emerging stars. With his performance, Crow-Armstrong achieved the milestone of recording at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases for the second consecutive season. He became only the third player in Cubs history to reach multiple 20-20 seasons, joining Sammy Sosa and Ryne Sandberg. Additionally, Crow-Armstrong is the first major leaguer since former Cub Alfonso Soriano to hit the 20-20 mark before the All-Star break in consecutive years, a feat Soriano accomplished in 2002 and 2003 while with the New York Yankees.

Following a historic June, widely regarded as one of the best months by any player in the game’s history, Crow-Armstrong has continued his strong performance into July. Over six games, he is batting .476 with three home runs, six RBI, six runs scored, and three walks. Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised the young outfielder’s early career impact, noting his advanced level of play reflective of some of the sport’s greats.

Supporting Crow-Armstrong’s effort, teammates Michael Conforto, Seiya Suzuki, and catcher Carson Kelly each contributed home runs, highlighting the depth of power throughout Chicago’s lineup as they strive to close the gap with the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

On the injury front, left-handed starter Justin Steele remains sidelined following elbow surgery and subsequent setbacks. Team president Jed Hoyer indicated last month that Steele’s return to a starting role this season is unlikely. Counsell reiterated that the compressed schedule leaves little room for Steele to stretch out as a starter. However, Steele is expected to begin mound throwing in early August, with the potential to contribute from the bullpen if healthy.

Reliever Hunter Harvey, signed in the offseason, has also missed significant time due to triceps inflammation after only four appearances in the early season. While on a throwing program, his availability for meaningful contributions before the season’s end remains uncertain amid ongoing concerns within the organization.

Meanwhile, reliever Phil Maton, recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him last month, resumed competitive pitching during a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa. He retired all five batters faced, striking out three. Maton is expected to make one additional rehab appearance before returning to the major league roster shortly after the All-Star break.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.