In the world of baseball, hitting for the cycle is a rare and impressive feat, and Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) made it happen in reverse order on Monday. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the fact that it occurred in the same game as a crucial win for the Chicago Cubs. While the Cubs' victory was secured by Matt Shaw's walk with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, it was PCA's performance that truly stole the show. This is the 13th cycle in franchise history for the Cubs, with the last one occurring in March 2025 by catcher Carson Kelly. Before Kelly, the last Cubs player to hit for the cycle was Mark Grace in 1993 against the San Diego Padres. PCA's achievement is all the more impressive given his current form. He entered the game third in wins above replacement (WAR) in Major League Baseball (MLB), behind only the two-way star Shohei Ohtani and ace Cristopher Sánchez. While PCA is known for his fielding, his hitting numbers are equally impressive. In June, he entered the game with a .392/.426/.784 batting average, and his performance against the Colorado Rockies only served to enhance his reputation. What makes PCA's achievement even more fascinating is the fact that it occurred in reverse order. Typically, a player hits for the cycle in the order of a single, double, triple, and home run. However, PCA's performance began with a solo home run in the first inning, followed by a triple in the third, a double in the fifth, and a single in the seventh. Despite hitting for the cycle, PCA's performance was not without its hiccups. Shortly after acknowledging the Wrigley Field crowd's standing ovation, he was picked off from first base. However, this minor setback did not detract from the overall brilliance of his performance. In conclusion, PCA's achievement of hitting for the cycle in reverse order is a testament to his skill and versatility as a player. While his fielding is undoubtedly impressive, his hitting numbers are equally impressive, and his performance against the Rockies only served to enhance his reputation. As the Cubs continue to struggle, PCA's performance provides a glimmer of hope for the team and its fans. Personally, I think that PCA's achievement is a significant milestone for the Cubs franchise, and it will be interesting to see how his performance affects the team's overall fortunes. What makes this achievement particularly fascinating is the fact that it occurred in the same game as a crucial win for the Cubs. In my opinion, this achievement is a clear indication of PCA's potential and a sign that the Cubs may be on the cusp of a turnaround.
