The Chicago Cubs celebrated Independence Day with fireworks of their own, smashing a franchise-record eight home runs to dismantle the St. Louis Cardinals 11-3 at Wrigley Field. The Cubs’ offensive explosion marks one of the most dominant single-game power displays in Major League Baseball history.
Michael Busch, Crow-Armstrong Power Cubs’ Historic Performance
Rookie Michael Busch led the charge with three home runs, the first multi-homer game of his MLB career. Pete Crow-Armstrong followed closely, launching his 22nd and 23rd home runs of the season. The pair went back-to-back in the third inning, contributing to a six-homer barrage within the first three innings alone.
Dansby Swanson and Busch made history in the seventh, hitting consecutive bombs off John King to cap the record-breaking night.
“We just got in a rhythm and stayed aggressive,” Busch said postgame. “Everyone fed off each other.”
Cubs’ Offense Too Much for Cardinals’ Mikolas
Veteran Miles Mikolas (4-6) had a Fourth of July to forget, giving up six home runs in just three innings. The right-hander allowed eight runs on 10 hits over six innings, surpassing his previous worst single-game home run total.
Colin Rea (6-3) was steady on the mound for Chicago, allowing just one hit — a solo shot from Brendan Donovan — over 6 2/3 innings, with four strikeouts and two walks.
Around the League: July 4 MLB Game Highlights
Red Sox 11, Nationals 2
Trevor Story starred with four hits, including a homer, and drove in four runs to fuel Boston’s rout of Washington. Lucas Giolito pitched into the eighth for the win, while Daylen Lile extended his hitting streak to 11 games for the Nationals.
Reds 9, Phillies 6
Spencer Steer reached base four times and scored twice as Cincinnati outlasted Philadelphia. Elly De La Cruz and TJ Friedl also contributed multiple hits in the Reds’ comeback win after trailing 3-0 early.
Mets 6, Yankees 5
Juan Soto went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, and Jeff McNeil’s clutch two-run homer in the seventh gave the New York Metsa comeback win over the Yankees, who have now lost five straight.
Twins 4, Rays 3
Harrison Bader hit two home runs, including a dramatic walk-off blast in the ninth to lift Minnesota past Tampa Bay. Byron Buxton added an RBI double.
Mariners 6, Pirates 0
Cal Raleigh powered Seattle with two home runs, bringing his season total to 35, tying a club record set by Ken Griffey Jr. before the All-Star break. Bryan Woo pitched six scoreless innings.
Orioles 3, Braves 2
Jordan Westburg returned from injury to homer in Baltimore’s win. Charlie Morton allowed two runs over 5 1/3 innings in a successful return from elbow tendinitis.
Tigers 2, Guardians 1
Wenceel Perez and Zach McKinstry homered while four Detroit pitchers combined to limit Cleveland to one run. Jose Ramirez ended an 0-for-21 slump with a solo homer.
Brewers 6, Marlins 5
Jackson Chourio’s eighth-inning double proved the difference for Milwaukee. Caleb Durbin had two hits and two stolen bases. Otto Lopez homered for the Marlins, who’ve lost two of three.
Padres 3, Rangers 2 (10 innings)
Jake Cronenworth delivered the game-winner in extras. Manny Machado homered as San Diego edged Texas in a back-and-forth contest.
Blue Jays 4, Angels 3 (10 innings)
A throwing error on Ernie Clement’s bunt allowed Myles Straw to score the walk-off run. Jo Adell homered for the Angels, extending his hit streak to 15 games.
White Sox 3, Rockies 2
Adrian Houser pitched eight strong innings, and Edgar Quero hit his first MLB home run to lead the White Sox past Colorado.
Takeaway: Cubs Send a Message with Power Display
With their record-setting performance, the Cubs made a bold statement in the NL Central. If their lineup continues to click like it did on the Fourth, Chicago could become one of the most dangerous offenses in baseball heading into the second half.
