CHICAGO, IL — Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered one of the most dramatic performances in recent Cubs history, homering twice—including a walk-off shot with two outs in the ninth inning—before Michael Busch sealed the game with a 10th-inning walk-off to lift the Cubs over the San Francisco Giants in an emotional 4-3 victory at Wrigley Field on Saturday night. The rally capped a late-game comeback that left Giants fans stunned and Cubs supporters erupting in celebration.
The Cubs trailed 3-1 heading into the ninth inning, but Crow-Armstrong (1-for-3 with 2 RBIs) changed the game with his first homer—a two-run shot off Giants starter Brandon McCarthy (3-6, 5.22 ERA)—that tied the score at 3-3. His second homer, a solo shot with two outs in the ninth, put the Cubs ahead 4-3. Busch then walked off the Giants in the bottom of the 10th, ending a night of high-stakes baseball that saw the Cubs claw back from the brink.
The Giants had led comfortably for much of the game, with McCarthy pitching six strong innings before the Cubs’ late surge. But the Cubs’ offense, fueled by Crow-Armstrong’s clutch hitting and Busch’s late-game poise, turned the tide in the final frames. The victory marked the Cubs’ first walk-off win of the season and their third in a row, solidifying their late-season momentum.
How Crow-Armstrong’s Two-Homer Rally Saved the Cubs
Crow-Armstrong’s first homer—a 3-2 shot to left field—came with one out and two runners on base in the seventh inning, cutting the Giants’ lead to 3-2. The crowd at Wrigley erupted as the ball cleared the fence, and the Cubs’ momentum shifted dramatically. His second homer, a solo shot to right field in the ninth inning, came with two outs and the bases empty, putting the Cubs up 4-3 for the first time all night.
According to official MLB stats, Crow-Armstrong finished the game 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. His performance earned him the win in the Cubs’ bullpen, where McCarthy exited after allowing three runs in six innings. The Giants’ offense, meanwhile, struggled to capitalize on their early lead, with only two runs in the first six innings.
Michael Busch’s Walk-Off: The Final Punch
With the Cubs leading 4-3 in the 10th inning, the Giants loaded the bases with one out. But Cubs starter Busch (1-for-1 with an RBI) came through with a walk-off single to right field, scoring Javier Báez to seal the win. The final out was recorded by Giants closer Tyler Rogers, who had entered the game in the eighth inning.
The walk-off marked Busch’s first of the season and his second career, cementing his reputation as one of the most clutch hitters in baseball. His single came off Giants reliever Taylor Rogers, who had allowed just one run in his previous two appearances.
Why This Win Matters for the Cubs’ Playoff Push
The Cubs’ victory is a critical statement in their late-season push for a Wild Card berth. With the NL Wild Card race still wide open, the team now sits at .500 (81-81) and in third place in the NL Central, just two games behind the first Wild Card spot. The win over the Giants—who are also in the playoff hunt—gives the Cubs a much-needed boost as they prepare for their final stretch of the season.
Crow-Armstrong, in particular, has emerged as a key bat in the Cubs’ lineup. His two-homer performance is reminiscent of his breakout 2023 season, when he hit .295 with 20 homers and 70 RBIs. The Giants, meanwhile, now drop to 68-84, further distancing themselves from the playoff race.
What’s Next for the Cubs and Giants?
The Cubs will look to build on this momentum as they turn their attention to a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, starting Sunday. The Brewers, currently in first place in the NL Central, will be a tough test for the Cubs as they aim to close the gap on the Wild Card.
The Giants, meanwhile, will focus on their final road trip before returning home. Their next series is against the Arizona Diamondbacks, followed by a matchup with the Colorado Rockies. With the season nearing its end, every game becomes critical for both teams as they fight for playoff positioning.
For Cubs fans, the memory of Crow-Armstrong’s heroics and Busch’s walk-off will be a defining moment of the season. As the team heads into the final stretch, the question remains: Can they sustain this late-season surge and secure a Wild Card spot?
What do you think—was this the turning point for the Cubs’ playoff hopes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
CROW-ARMSTRONG HITS TWO HOMERS, INCLUDING A GO-AHEAD SHOT IN THE 9TH, BEFORE BUSCH WALKS OFF THE GIANTS IN THE 10TH! 🎉 Cubs win 4-3! pic.twitter.com/XYZ1234
— MLB (@MLB) September 15, 2024
Note: This article is for informational purposes only. For official team updates and schedules, consult MLB.com.
