Cardinals crush Cubs 8-2 on June 24, 2025, with four homers. Despite a big night from Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs fall in the heated rivalry matchup.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a rough night in St. Louis. The familiar sting of a rivalry loss was amplified by a home run barrage, as the Cardinals blasted their way to an 8-2 victory over the Cubs. While the final score is a tough pill to swallow, a brilliant performance from rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong and the bigger picture of the team's standing offer a crucial dose of perspective for a club that still sits atop the NL Central.
The Cubs still boast seven players on MLB's Top 100 Prospects list, tied for the most in baseball, even after acquiring Kyle Tucker.
The game unraveled in the middle innings, fueled entirely by the long ball. Starter Ben Brown couldn't keep the Cardinals in the park, surrendering multiple homers before an early exit. The back-breakers came in the fifth, when Alec Burleson and Brendan Donovan launched two-run shots that put the game out of reach. The Cardinals tacked on four total home runs, turning what could have been a tight divisional matchup into a rout and leaving the Cubs' bullpen to pick up the pieces.
If you were looking for a silver lining, you found it in Pete Crow-Armstrong. The rookie outfielder was Chicago's entire offense, lacing two doubles and scoring both of the team's runs. It was another stellar outing for PCA, who now has 21 home runs on the season and continues to be a dynamic force in a Cubs lineup that remains one of the league's best, ranking third in slugging (.442) and fourth in homers (113). While the team was quiet on Tuesday, PCA was anything but.
Even on a day where the big-league club struggled, the foundation of the organization remains rock solid. Despite dealing top prospect Cam Smith for Kyle Tucker, the Cubs' farm system is still tied for the best in baseball with seven Top 100 prospects. Farm director Jason Kanzler noted the upper minors are filled with MLB-ready talent, giving the front office incredible flexibility. This depth isn't just for the future; it's a powerful asset that could be used to acquire key pieces at the upcoming trade deadline to fortify the roster for a deep postseason run.
One loss, even a lopsided one to a rival, doesn't define a season. The Cubs will look to bounce back tomorrow with the reliable Jameson Taillon (7-4, 3.84 ERA) on the mound. With their potent offense, a burgeoning star in PCA, and a war chest of prospects, Chicago is still in the driver's seat. This team is built for the long haul, and shaking off a tough night at Busch Stadium is the next test in their championship chase.
