This explosive offensive stat highlights importance of Cubs sweep of Pirates

For a team that is clawing their way back into the National League Wild Card discussion, the Chicago Cubs sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates has many fans wondering "what could be" for the closing weeks of the 2024 season.

After winning on Monday and Tuesday, the Cubs seemed to be reverting back to their traditional ways of failing to secure a series sweep as they trailed the Pirates 10-3 in the 7th inning of Wednesday's game. What followed was an unbelievable comeback as the Cubs scored 11 unanswered over the course of the final 3 innings of the game. The result was the Cubs winning the game 14-10.

In their comeback victory against the Pirates on Wednesday, the Cubs also did something that hasn't been done previously this season.

The Cubs' offense has ignited with the ascension of Pete Crow-Arnsrong.

It's no surprise that the Cubs' offense has begun to carry the team in recent weeks. The difference, compared to when the offense was struggling to put up runs during May and June, is that catcher Miguel Amaya and rookie center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong have become forces at the end of the starting lineup.

Crow-Armstrong was once again the difference maker in Wednesday's victory over the Pirates. The Cubs' top prospect went 4-for-4 on Wednesday with 4 runs scores. The fact of the matter is when Crow-Armstrong is on base, there is a likelihood that he will be scoring.

The Cubs will need this type of offensive output if they are going to be taken seriously as a Wild Card contender in the National League. After the sweep of the Pirates this week, the Cubs are 68-66 on the season. The difference, unlike earlier this season, is that only two teams are in front of the Cubs for the final spot--The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. It's a far easier climb for the Cubs to make and one that could be easy with the continued ascension from Crow-Armstrong.