Cubs 9 - Orioles 7 (7/8/2026): Crow-Armstrong's 2 Homers Seal Victory

In a scorching evening matchup, the Chicago Cubs triumphed over the Baltimore Orioles 9–7 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Cubs, boasting a record of 51-40, solidified their standing as second in the NL Central. The Orioles, now 42-50, remain anchored at fifth in the AL East.

The Cubs unleashed a powerful display of offense, putting up five runs in the seventh inning, proving pivotal in their win. Pete Crow-Armstrong led the charge, crossing home plate three times and collecting two hits in four at-bats, propelling his average to an impressive .293.

Power Surge Propels Cubs

Chicago's bats were on fire, with homers from Michael Conforto, Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly, and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Suzuki, in particular, contributed three RBIs, providing the offensive spark the team needed.

Colin Rea, the winning pitcher, delivered 5.33 innings of solid work, allowing three runs on seven hits. Despite a few shaky moments, Rea managed to keep the Orioles' offense at bay long enough for his teammates to build a lead.

For the Orioles, Dean Kremer started the game, but his outing was marred by four home runs allowed in his five innings. He conceded four runs on six hits, raising his ERA to 3.18 as he suffered his first loss of the season.

Orioles' Offensive Highlights

Despite the loss, Baltimore's Tyler O'Neill showcased some brilliance, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs and a home run. Pete Alonso also added a two-run homer in the game, further cementing his reputation as a power hitter.

Jackson Holliday was another bright spot for the Orioles, delivering a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate. His presence was a consistent threat to the Cubs' pitchers, although he was unable to drive in any runs.

The Cubs' bullpen saw effective outings from Tayler Webb and Thornton, who held the Orioles scoreless in the late innings. Webb, in particular, shut the door in the final inning, securing the win with his 3.26 ERA.

Looking Ahead

With the victory, the Cubs will aim to maintain their momentum as they continue their road trip against the Orioles before heading to Cincinnati to face the Reds. The Cubs' next matchup at Oriole Park is scheduled for Thursday, July 9th.

Meanwhile, the Orioles will regroup and prepare to host the Kansas City Royals after their series with the Cubs. Baltimore will look to bounce back and climb up the AL East standings.

This game underscored the Cubs' offensive depth and ability to deliver in crucial innings, a factor that could prove decisive in their playoff push. As both teams look to the future, their upcoming schedules present opportunities to improve their standings and build toward the postseason.