The Chicago Cubs have been making headlines recently, particularly following their impressive 12-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. This game not only highlighted the Cubs’ late-season surge but also marked a significant milestone for one of their youngest stars, Pete Crow-Armstrong. The 23-year-old outfielder has become a prominent figure in the MLB, joining the illustrious 30-30 Club, which entails achieving at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season.
### Pete Crow-Armstrong: A Rising Star
Crow-Armstrong’s remarkable achievement is no small feat. With his 30th home run against the Cardinals, he became only the second player in Cubs history to reach this milestone, following the legendary Sammy Sosa. Crow-Armstrong’s success adds him to an exclusive group of players who have completed this significant statistical benchmark—a testament to his all-around skill set and athleticism.
### The Dominance of Miles Mikolas
Conversely, the game also brought attention to the struggles of Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas. This season has been challenging for the veteran pitcher, making headlines for all the wrong reasons. In a short span, Mikolas has experienced a string of poor performances, including a major league record tied on July 4 for allowing six home runs in a single game. In this latest outing against the Cubs, he surrendered three more home runs, including the pivotal shot from Crow-Armstrong.
Mikolas has become somewhat of an enigma this season. The Cubs have seemingly found a way to exploit his weaknesses, particularly through Crow-Armstrong, who has demonstrated remarkable success against him. Over their matchups, Crow-Armstrong holds an impressive .778 batting average against Mikolas, having gone 7-for-9 with five home runs. This lopsided dynamic only adds to the narrative of Mikolas’s difficult 2023 season.
### The 30-30 Club: A Valuable Milestone
The 30-30 Club is a significant milestone in MLB history, showcasing players who excel in both power hitting and base running. Membership in this exclusive group highlights athletes with a well-rounded game, capable of not just hitting home runs but also stealing bases with agility and speed. Crow-Armstrong’s achievements this season—hitting at least 30 home runs, stealing 30 bases, and recording 30 doubles—make him the first Cubs player to reach this trifecta in a single season, further cementing his status as a central figure for the franchise’s future.
### The Cubs’ Continued Success
The Cubs’ late-season resurgence has implications not just for their individual players like Crow-Armstrong, but also for the team’s standing within the National League. With their playoff spot secured, the focus shifts toward positioning for a favorable match-up in the postseason. Stepping into October, the Cubs are vying for home-field advantage and are in a strong position to secure the No. 4 seed, needing just one win in their final two games or one loss from the San Diego Padres.
### The Future for the Cubs and Their Stars
As the Cubs move forward into the postseason, they will look to maintain their momentum while managing their roster effectively. With young talents like Crow-Armstrong shining under pressure, the team is in a promising position to not only make a strong playoff run but to build upon this success in future seasons. The Cubs seem poised to reclaim their place in MLB contention, especially with a dedicated and skilled roster that balances experienced players and emerging stars.
### Conclusion
In summary, the Cubs are making a statement as they head into the postseason, with Pete Crow-Armstrong leading the charge after joining the exclusive 30-30 Club. His historic season encapsulates the energy and talent of a team that is once again becoming relevant in October baseball discussions. Meanwhile, the struggles of Miles Mikolas serve as a cautionary tale of how quickly fortunes can change in baseball. Both players will be key figures to watch as the Cubs prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
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