Crow-Armstrong Powers Cubs to Series Sweep as Dodgers Losing Streak Hits Six

The Chicago Cubs completed a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night, defeating the struggling NL West leaders 7-6 at Wrigley Field behind a dominant two-home run performance from center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Crow-Armstrong went 3-for-5 with four RBIs, launching a solo shot in the fourth inning and a two-run blast in the sixth to stake Chicago to a 5-1 lead. The 23-year-old's power surge has made him one of baseball's most exciting young players, and his latest heroics came against one of the game's most expensive rosters.

The Dodgers, who acquired ace Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline just days ago, have now lost six consecutive games—their longest skid since early September 2025. Los Angeles entered the series with a comfortable division lead but has watched its advantage shrink as the lineup has gone cold and the bullpen has struggled in high-leverage situations.

Shohei Ohtani provided a late spark for the Dodgers with a solo home run, but Los Angeles left eight runners on base and couldn't capitalize on scoring chances. The loss dropped the Dodgers to 3-8 in their last 11 games, a concerning trend as the calendar flips to August and the playoff race intensifies.

Cubs Riding Momentum Behind Young Stars

Chicago improved to 66-49 on the season and maintained its grip on the top National League wild card spot. Nico Hoerner added three hits including an RBI double, while starting pitcher Shota Imanaga struck out six batters over five innings to earn his 11th win of the season.

The sweep marks a statement series for the Cubs, who have now taken down the Dodgers' star-studded roster despite LA's recent blockbuster acquisition of Skubal from Detroit. Chicago's young core—led by Crow-Armstrong, Hoerner, and a deep pitching staff—has the team positioned as a legitimate October threat.

For Los Angeles, the losing streak couldn't come at a worse time. Manager Dave Roberts faces mounting pressure to right the ship, with questions swirling about lineup construction, bullpen management, and whether the team's massive payroll will translate to postseason success.

What's Next for Both Teams

The Dodgers return home to face the San Diego Padres in a critical NL West showdown starting Friday. Skubal is expected to make his second start for LA as the team looks to snap its six-game skid and stabilize before the stretch run.

The Cubs, meanwhile, head to Pittsburgh for a four-game set with the Pirates. With the Cardinals and Brewers both chasing in the division, Chicago will look to build on this momentum and solidify its playoff position in what's shaping up to be a tight National League race.

Crow-Armstrong's breakout season has been a revelation for the Cubs. The former first-round pick is now hitting .287 with 26 home runs and 25 stolen bases, putting him on track for one of the best seasons by a Cubs center fielder in franchise history. His performance in this series—going 6-for-12 with three home runs and six RBIs—has put the baseball world on notice.