Cardinals stun Cubs 8-6 on July 5, 2025, as Yohel Pozo's pinch-hit homer caps a 5-run 8th inning rally. Recap the wild comeback win at Wrigley Field.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the slide would continue, the St. Louis Cardinals reminded everyone why you never count them out at Wrigley Field. Trailing the Cubs and staring down a fifth straight loss, the Birds on the Bat exploded for a five-run eighth inning, capped by a titanic three-run, pinch-hit homer from Yohel Pozo to seal a stunning 8-6 victory and send a jolt of energy through the fanbase.
With the game on the line, Yohel Pozo delivered the decisive blow—a pinch-hit, three-run homer that capped a five-run rally and secured the Cardinals' 22nd come-from-behind victory of the season.
The eighth inning started with the Cardinals in a 5-3 hole, but Alec Burleson immediately changed the mood with a solo shot to cut the deficit. The momentum snowballed from there. A perfectly placed bunt single by Lars Nootbaar created chaos for the Cubs' defense, leading to Nolan Gorman's clutch RBI single that tied the game. That set the stage for Yohel Pozo, who came off the bench and blasted a three-run shot off Brad Keller, turning a tense situation into a Cardinal celebration in a matter of minutes. It was a masterclass in resilient, opportunistic baseball.
The victory was even more impressive considering the Cardinals were without their Gold Glove third baseman. Nolan Arenado was a late scratch with a right shoulder impingement, a concerning development for the team's cornerstone player. However, rookie Thomas Saggese stepped in seamlessly, proving the 'Next Man Up' mentality is alive and well. Saggese didn't just fill a spot; he made a major impact, contributing two hits and two crucial RBIs that kept the Cardinals in the game long before the eighth-inning heroics.
While Pozo will grab the headlines, Alec Burleson was arguably the day's MVP. He finished with three hits, including the solo homer that ignited the game-winning rally. On the mound, Matthew Liberatore gave the team a solid five-inning start, allowing just two runs and keeping St. Louis within striking distance. Steven Matz snagged the win in relief, and the ever-reliable Ryan Helsley shut the door in the ninth for his 17th save, putting a firm end to the frustrating losing streak.
This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Snapping a four-game skid against your biggest rival, on their turf, with a dramatic comeback is the kind of victory that can turn a season's momentum. While the focus now shifts to the status of Nolan Arenado's shoulder, the team can savor a win built on depth, power, and pure grit. Let's see if they can carry this fire into the next game and build a new winning streak.
