Cubs top Guardians 5-4 on July 3, 2025, as new All-Stars PCA & Suzuki lead the charge. See how their clutch hits secured the thrilling victory at Wrigley.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a day to be a Cubs fan. On the same day the North Side celebrated two of its own, Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong, being named National League All-Star starters, the team showed exactly why they deserved it. Fueled by their new All-Star, the Cubs battled their way to a nail-biting 5-4 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, proving once again that this team has the talent, the grit, and the star power to make a serious run this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is now the fastest Cub to reach 20 homers and 20 steals in a season, a testament to his dynamic impact.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair that had Wrigley Field buzzing. After Cleveland jumped ahead with back-to-back homers, the Cubs' offense roared to life in the fourth inning. The rally was sparked by none other than Pete Crow-Armstrong, who laced a clutch triple to drive in a run. Seiya Suzuki followed up with a go-ahead two-run single, part of his three-RBI night. Shota Imanaga wasn't at his sharpest but battled through 5.1 innings to earn his fifth win, and while Daniel Palencia made the ninth inning tense, he ultimately locked down his 10th save of the year. In a sign of total team effort, every single Cubs starter reached base.
The biggest news off the field was the official announcement that both outfielder Kyle Tucker and phenom Pete Crow-Armstrong have been voted in as NL All-Star Game starters. It's a massive honor and a reflection of their incredible first halves. Tucker, the prized offseason acquisition, has been everything the Cubs hoped for and more. Meanwhile, PCA isn't just a 20/20 threat; he's a defensive wizard, leading the entire National League in Fielding Run Value (+12). As president Jed Hoyer said, their impact has been immense, and seeing them get this recognition is a proud moment for the entire organization.
Speaking of impact acquisitions, the Kyle Tucker trade is looking better every day, and what's remarkable is how the farm system has weathered it. Despite sending top prospect Cam Smith to Houston, the Cubs still boast seven players in MLB's Top 100 prospects, tied for the most in baseball. This 'reservoir of talent,' as farm director Jason Kanzler calls it, gives Jed Hoyer incredible flexibility as the trade deadline looms. With reports that the front office is evaluating a third base upgrade, having a wealth of near-MLB-ready prospects means the Cubs can make a significant move without gutting their future.
While the All-Stars grab the headlines, the Cubs' recent success is built on contributions from up and down the roster. The bullpen duo of Daniel Palencia and Keller has become a reliable force, consistently shutting the door in late innings. And how about the resurgence of Carson Kelly? His bat has come alive over the past two months, providing a significant boost from the catcher position. His recent three-RBI performance even earned him a joking 'right-handed Barry Bonds' comparison, a sign of just how locked in he is at the plate.
With a firm hold on the NL Central lead, two deserving All-Star starters, and a deep system ready to support a deadline splash, the vibes are immaculate on the North Side. This team is firing on all cylinders, blending star power with gritty team wins. As they head into the rest of the holiday weekend, the message is clear: the 2025 Chicago Cubs are not just contenders; they're one of the most exciting teams in baseball, with their eyes firmly set on October.
