Crow-Armstrong's 3-homer game bolsters NL MVP case

Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete CrowArmstrong delivered a historic performance on Saturday, August 29, 2026, hitting three home runs to power his team to a 17-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. The 24-year-old All-Star's feat significantly bolstered his credentials in the National League Most Valuable Player race. CrowArmstrong, who entered the game leading Major League Baseball in Wins Above Replacement, went 4-for-6 with six runs batted in. He launched a leadoff homer in the first inning, a two-run shot in the second, and a three-run drive in the seventh. The crowd of 39,597 responded with chants of "MVP! MVP!" as he rounded the bases after his final home run. According to the team, this marked the first three-homer game of his career and made him the youngest player in Cubs history to accomplish the feat. The performance added to an exceptional season for CrowArmstrong, who is attempting to become the first Cubs player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season. He currently holds 36 home runs and 32 stolen bases.