Chicago Cubs vs Baltimore Orioles — Recap

📰Game Recap

The Chicago Cubs, entering the contest with a 60-46 record, pulled off an upset victory against the favored Baltimore Orioles (52-55), emerging with a 9-7 win after a dynamic back-and-forth affair. The game’s early innings showcased a battle for momentum, with both teams trading blows and lead changes before the Cubs ultimately broke through.

Chicago's Pete Crow-Armstrong initiated the scoring in the top of the third with a solo home run to right field, putting the Cubs up 1-0. However, Baltimore quickly responded in the bottom half when Alexander scored on a Henderson double play, knotting the score at 1-1. The Orioles then seized their first lead in the fourth inning on a two-run home run to center by Alonso, bringing the score to 3-1. Cubs pitcher Colin Rea completed 5.1 innings, striking out two while allowing three earned runs. Not to be outdone, the Cubs mounted an impressive power display in the top of the fifth, with Conforto, Kelly, and Crow-Armstrong (his second of the game) each hitting solo home runs to collectively erase the deficit and give Chicago a 4-3 lead.

The turning point arrived in the top of the seventh inning when the Cubs erupted for five crucial runs to create significant separation. The scoring started with Bregman's sacrifice fly that scored Kelly. The lead further expanded when Swanson scored on a wild pitch from Wolfram. Suzuki then delivered a decisive blow, a three-run home run to left field that brought home Crow-Armstrong and Busch, pushing Chicago's advantage to 9-3.

Despite the substantial deficit, the Orioles displayed resilience, attempting a late-game rally. In the bottom of the seventh, O'Neill launched a solo home run, and Ward followed up with a single that scored Henderson, narrowing the gap to 9-5. Baltimore continued to chip away in the eighth inning with back-to-back solo home runs from Mayo and O'Neill, his second of the game, bringing them within two runs at 9-7. Ultimately, the comeback attempt fell short, allowing the Cubs to secure the hard-fought upset on the road.