Cubs fall to Pirates 4-2 on June 15, 2025, despite Pete Crow-Armstrong's 19th homer. Read how the rookie's power keeps the first-place Cubs' future bright.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Sunday scaries hit Wrigley Field as the Cubs fell 4-2 to the Pittsburgh Pirates, dropping the series finale. While the loss stings, it was a day defined more by the brilliant flashes of the future than the final score. Rookie sensation Pete Crow-Armstrong continued his incredible power display, and a quick look at the standings and the farm system shows that the North Siders are in an enviable position, even on a day when the bats went quiet.
With his 19th home run of the season, rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong now leads the Cubs in both home runs and RBIs, solidifying his case as a cornerstone of the franchise.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Cubs' offense, which couldn't solve Pirates starter Mitch Keller. Adrian Sampson battled on the mound for the Cubs, giving up three runs over five innings, but a two-run homer by Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz in the third inning proved to be the decisive blow. Despite the loss, the Cubs' grip on first place in the NL Central remains firm, providing a crucial cushion as the season's marathon continues.
The brightest spot of the day, without a doubt, was Pete Crow-Armstrong. The rookie outfielder launched a solo shot in the sixth inning for his 19th home run of the year, a towering drive that briefly pulled the Cubs within a run. PCA isn't just a promising rookie anymore; he's the team's offensive leader, pacing the club in both homers and RBIs. His performance is no longer a pleasant surprise—it's a legitimate star-making turn that has become the central narrative of the Cubs' season.
For fans worried about the loss, it's important to zoom out. The Cubs are a first-place team with a deep, talented roster. Furthermore, news from the farm system should inspire confidence. Even after trading a top prospect for Kyle Tucker, the Cubs boast seven players in MLB's Top 100 prospects, tied for the most in baseball. This incredible depth, with several players knocking on the door at Triple-A, gives the front office immense flexibility for the upcoming trade deadline, whether they need to add a key piece or promote from within.
While a loss to a division rival is never fun, this Sunday felt more like a minor bump than a major setback. The Cubs are still the team to beat in the NL Central, powered by a rookie sensation and backed by an enviable war chest of prospects. As they head back on the road, the focus remains clear: win series, build on the lead, and keep an eye on the July trade deadline. The pieces are all there for a special summer in Chicago.
