Game‑by‑Game Highlights
From the first pitch at Guaranteed Rate Field, the atmosphere was electric. Ben Brown entered as the starter for the Cubs and quickly set the tone, scattering three hits over five innings and fanning four. He allowed just a single run, a crucial contribution that let Chicago build an early cushion.
Pete Crow‑Armstrong sparked the offense in the top of the first with a two‑run double to left, driving in Seiya Suzuki and Kyle Tucker. That swing gave the home side a 2-0 lead before the White Sox could answer.
Andrew Benintendi answered back instantly, launching a 368‑foot solo homer in the bottom of the first. The blast trimmed the gap to 2-1 and signaled that the White Sox would not roll over.
Mid‑game drama unfolded in the sixth. Nico Hoerner’s single to center brought home Carson Kelly, nudging the lead to 3-1. A misplay by shortstop Meidroth on a Matt Shaw double added another run, pushing the score to 4-1.
Chicago tacked on a fifth run in the eighth when Ian Happ crossed home plate after a defensive interference call on the White Sox third baseman. At that point the game looked settled.
But the White Sox roared back. Benintendi launched his second homer, this time a 376‑foot three‑run shot that slumped the lead to 5-4. Danny Tauchman and Meidroth sped home, and the crowd gasped.
The ninth inning turned into a showdown. Luis Robert was plunked by a pitch, putting the tying run on base with the potential tying run at the plate. The Cubs loaded the bases, but a composed bullpen shut the door, preserving the win.
- Final Score: Cubs 5, White Sox 4
- Winning Pitcher: Ben Brown (5 IP, 1 R, 4 K)
- Key Hitters: Pete Crow‑Armstrong (2 RBI), Nico Hoerner (2 hits, defensive play)
- White Sox Highlights: Andrew Benintendi (2 HR, 3 RBI)
- NL Central Standings: Cubs 62‑43, Brewers 62‑43
What the Win Means for the NL Central
The victory extends Chicago’s season series advantage over the White Sox to 5-1, a psychological edge in the heated crosstown rivalry. More importantly, it keeps the Cubs dead‑locked for first place with Milwaukee, setting up a pivotal three‑game series that could determine the division crown.
Both clubs entered the weekend with identical records (62‑43). A sweep of the Brewers would hand Chicago a half‑game lead, while dropping the series could hand the upper hand to Milwaukee. The pressure is palpable, and the roster depth will be tested.
From a pitching perspective, Brown’s performance adds another quality start to his résumé, bringing his season ERA down into the low‑3.00s. The bullpen, despite Ryan Brasier’s streak ending, showed resilience, a quality that will be critical against a Brewers staff that thrives on late‑inning pressure.
Offensively, the Cubs demonstrated depth. Beyond the marquee names, contributions from Hoerner, Shaw, and Happ displayed a lineup that can manufacture runs in various ways—singles, doubles, errors, and even interference calls. The White Sox, despite a losing record, proved dangerous with Benintendi’s power; any future meetings will require Chicago’s pitchers to stay sharp.
Looking ahead, the Cubs will return home for the series opener on Monday night. Manager Dave Rogers has hinted at rotating the bullpen to keep arms fresh, while keeping Brown in the rotation to capitalize on his recent form. For fans, the next few games could be the turning point in a season that has already delivered more excitement than most expected.