Pete Crow-Armstrong's latest heroics continue his meteoric rise

With heavy winds blowing out of Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs defeated their crosstown rival in a 13-3 rout over the Chicago White Sox. The game featured many highlights from the Cubs and Sox alike, including Cade Horton’s first career start, Moisés Ballesteros’ first career hit and RBI, as well as a two-home run game for the Sox’s Miguel Vargas.

No player enjoyed more highlights on the field than Pete Crow-Armstrong. After losing a fly ball in the sun in the second inning, Crow-Armstrong came to the plate with two runners on in the midst of a 2-2 deadlock, depositing a 3-2 offering into right field for his twelfth home run of the season, cementing his mark on the crosstown series in its opener.

Pete Crow-Armstrong continues to reach Cubs' milestones

Crow-Armstrong finished the day going 4-5 at the plate, driving home six runs while also scoring two. He became only the third Cub below the age of 23 to record a game with a home run, four hits, and six RBI, joining Corey Patterson and Ron Santo in exclusive company.

“He’s playing at a really high level right now,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters after the win. “He’s driving the ball in the air. That’s led to the home runs, obviously. And it’s fun to watch. It’s fun to see a player take another step. He’s taken a step up defensively. He’s taken a big step offensively.

Crow-Armstrong’s six RBI also tied the franchise record for RBI out of the leadoff spot, tying Rick Monday’s total on May 5, 1976.

According to ESPN reporter Jesse Rogers, Crow-Armstrong’s start to the season may be more special than we realize. Rogers reported that Crow-Armstrong is the first player in Cubs history with 12 home runs, 30 RBI, and ten stolen bases through the team’s first 45 games of the season.

Crow-Armstrong leads the Cubs with 12 home runs and 13 stolen bases, while trailing only teammate Seiya Suzuki with 36 RBI. If Rogers’ assessment wasn’t enough for you, here are the rest of the players in MLB history to put up those numbers in their team's first 45 games.

Any time your hitting stats put you on a list with Barry Bonds, it’s clear you’re doing something right. Crow-Armstrong has not only established himself as one of the best players on the Cubs but as one of the best players in Major League Baseball.

If the Cubs are successful in their attempt to return to baseball’s promised land, Crow-Armstrong’s sustained success will be a big reason why. Should he continue to keep mashing the ball, he would be looking at not just an all-time great season in Chicago Cubs history, but MLB history altogether.