CUBS STUN WHITE SOX IN CROSSTOWN CLASSIC THRILLER: FINAL SCORE 5–4
CHICAGO, IL — July 27, 2025
In a gritty, heart-pounding battle that could only belong to the Windy City, the Chicago Cubs clawed out a dramatic 5–4 victory over the rival White Sox in Sunday’s Crosstown Classic showdown. Under the summer sun and in front of a packed crowd split by team loyalties and family divisions, it was the Cubs who emerged with just enough firepower—and just enough grit—to silence the South Side.
And at the center of it all? A headfirst dive into home that sent the sand flying, the scoreboard flipping, and Cubs fans into a frenzy.
The Moment That Broke the Tie
Bottom of the eighth. Game tied 4–4. With two outs and the go-ahead run on third, a soft chopper toward second base gave Cubs speedster Pete Crow-Armstrong just enough time to round third and break for home. What followed was chaos—a bobble by the infielder, a desperate throw to the plate, and Crow-Armstrong crashing in like a missile, tongue out, helmet off, carving through dust as the umpire flung his arms wide.
Safe.
Wrigley North—the Cubs-heavy crowd at Guaranteed Rate Field—erupted.
Offensive Spark from the North Side
The Cubs were aggressive at the plate, tallying 9 hits and putting pressure on the White Sox bullpen all afternoon. Dansby Swanson broke the ice early with a two-run double in the second inning, followed by a Patrick Wisdom solo homer that rocketed into left field in the fifth.
But the real heroics came late, as Chicago’s offense answered a three-run White Sox rally in the seventh with a pair of clutch hits and heads-up base running to regain the lead.
“This game was about heart,” said manager Craig Counsell after the final out. “We were on the ropes a few times, but the boys just kept swinging.”
White Sox Rally Falls Just Short
To their credit, the White Sox refused to go quietly. Eloy Jiménez smashed a game-tying three-run shot in the seventh, igniting South Side hopes and momentarily shifting momentum.
But shaky defense—and missed chances with runners in scoring position—proved costly.
Closer Adbert Alzolay shut the door in the ninth, earning his 21st save of the season and slamming the brakes on a final Sox threat that saw the tying run reach second base with one out.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: Catalyst and Chaos
The game’s defining moment—and its defining player—belonged to Crow-Armstrong, whose aggression on the base paths, outfield hustle, and fiery leadership continue to fuel the Cubs’ second-half push. He finished 2-for-4 with a stolen base and the game-winning run that will be replayed on highlight reels for days.
“When I saw the ball squib, I didn’t hesitate,” he said postgame, still catching his breath. “It’s the Crosstown Classic. You don’t wait—you go.”
What This Win Means
With the victory, the Cubs improve to 59–47 and remain firmly in the NL Wild Card race. More importantly, they take bragging rights in a series that means more than standings—this is Chicago vs. Chicago, pride vs. pride.
The win also sends a message: this is not the same Cubs team that stumbled in April. This is a team that’s found its identity—scrappy, explosive, and fearless in big moments.
As fans hoisted W flags across the city and car horns blared on Clark Street, one truth was clear: the North Side still owns this rivalry—at least for today.
FINAL SCORE:
Cubs 5, White Sox 4
Winning Pitcher: Hayden Wesneski (5–3)
Losing Pitcher: Aaron Bummer (2–6)
Save: Adbert Alzolay (21)
The Crosstown Classic delivered drama. And in the end, it was blue that flew the W.