PITTSBURGH -- When Cubs manager Craig Counsell implied pregame Monday that All-Star outfielder
The 28-year-old has been sidelined since Sept. 2 with a left calf strain he suffered in a game vs. Atlanta, and was placed on the IL a few days later. Tucker had since resumed swinging the bat and throwing the ball, but running was always the last hurdle -- one he hasn't been able to clear.\n\nPlaying in the first game of their final road trip of the regular season, the Cubs’ bats supplied enough offense without both Tucker and Seiya Suzuki (illness) to earn a 4-0 victory over the Pirates at PNC Park. Despite scoring just four runs, Chicago tallied nine hits and reached base in seven of nine innings.
First baseman
The offense backed up Chicago starter
On Sunday night, it was Hoerner, who went 2-for-4 and drove in three runs in a 4-3 win over Tampa Bay. Monday night, it was Crow-Armstrong, who ended his night 2-for-4, adding a double and a stolen base to his impressive home run.\n\n“I think it's important for us offensively when he has good nights,” Counsell said of the 23-year-old sensation. “It’s just ‘do your share,’ right? Yesterday it was Nico Hoerner, today it was Pete with some big hits, a couple of runs scored. Taking our turns … that’s how we get consistent offense.”\n\nCrow-Armstrong, who was a key piece to a terrific first half for Chicago’s lineup, has weathered a difficult August and early September. He has hit just .198 in his last 30 games, so his performance on Monday night is a great sign for a Chicago offense that seems to be collectively turning a corner.
Entering the game, Crow-Armstrong said he’s started focusing on elevating the ball, which the coaching staff believes helps each pitch achieve more time in the zone.\n\n“It’s great. That’s what I’m working to do every day,” Crow-Armstrong said. “It’s just nice to find the barrel a couple times and walk away feeling like my at-bats were somewhat productive.”\n\n“It’s huge,” Taillon added of Crow-Armstrong’s night. “In the first half, when we were putting up a ton of runs, he was a focal point of our offense. He was really the centerpiece for us. Tonight: double, homer, stolen base, that’s just awesome to see him running all over the field.\n\n“When he has a dirty uniform at the end of the game, that’s a good sign.”
The resurgence of