Cubs crush Cardinals 11-3 on July 4, 2025, setting a franchise record with 8 homers. Michael Busch leads the historic power surge with three home runs.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Forget the fireworks over Lake Michigan, the real pyrotechnics were happening at Clark and Addison. The Chicago Cubs celebrated Independence Day by launching a historic aerial assault on the St. Louis Cardinals, setting a new franchise record with an incredible eight home runs in a single game en route to a dominant 11-3 victory. It was a day of pure, unadulterated power that sent a resounding message to their archrivals and the rest of the National League.
A new franchise record: Eight home runs in a single game.
The barrage was relentless from the very first inning. Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong kicked things off with back-to-back homers, and the team decided they liked it so much they did it again in the second, with Michael Busch and Carson Kelly going deep. But the star of the show was undoubtedly Busch. The first baseman turned in a career-defining performance, blasting three separate homers to drive in five runs. His third and final shot, a two-run blast in the seventh, was the one that etched this team into the history books, breaking a franchise record that had stood for decades. By the time the dust settled, Dansby Swanson had also added his name to the home run ledger, capping off an offensive masterclass that has the Cubs poised to lead the entire MLB in team homers.
While the hitters were launching souvenirs into the bleachers, the Cubs' pitching staff quietly did its job. Colin Rea delivered a crucial bounce-back performance, silencing the Cardinals' bats for 6.2 masterful innings. He allowed just one run, providing the stability that allowed the offense to run wild. Then, the bullpen did what it's been doing all season: dominate. The most remarkable moment came from reclamation project Drew Pomeranz, who extended his scoreless appearance streak to 26 games. In doing so, he set a new MLB record for the longest such streak to start a season by a player 36 or older. It's a testament to manager Craig Counsell and the coaching staff, who have molded a collection of overlooked arms into one of baseball's most elite relief corps.
This record-setting victory wasn't just for show; it further solidified the Cubs' lead in the NL Central. However, the front office isn't resting on its laurels. Despite the bullpen's historic run and Rea's strong outing, injuries to the starting rotation remain a concern. Reports indicate that management is actively scouring the market for pitching reinforcements ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. This win proves the Cubs have the offensive firepower to compete with anyone, but adding another quality arm could be the final piece of the puzzle for a deep postseason run.
What a day at the Friendly Confines. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. As the smoke clears from the Independence Day fireworks, both real and metaphorical, the Cubs stand tall atop the division. With an offense that can rewrite the record books and a bullpen defying all expectations, the focus now sharpens on the July 31 trade deadline. If the front office can add the pitching reinforcements they're seeking, this historic July 4th victory might just be a preview of an even more explosive October.
