Cubs Triumph Over White Sox in City Series Opener

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Cubs defeated the Chicago White Sox 6-2 in the opener of the City Series at Wrigley Field on Friday, marking their sixth consecutive win against their crosstown rivals.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance after being staked to an early 2-0 lead. The Cubs capitalized on five unearned runs in the second inning, helped by a three-run home run from rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong, who went 4-for-5 with six RBIs during the game.

“I would love to ruin his weekend,” White Sox general manager Chris Getz said of his friend, Cubs President Jed Hoyer, referring to the rivalry feel between the two teams. Getz opted not to share a ride with Hoyer, likely wanting to avoid discussions of the Cubs’ season woes while focusing on his own team’s struggles.

The game had a summer-like atmosphere with a southwesterly wind blowing, perfect for baseball. With the win, the Cubs improved to a 26-19 record, while the Sox dropped to 14-31 on the season.

Despite the loss, the White Sox’s Miguel Vargas showed promise with a two-homer performance, going 4-for-4 at the plate. The Sox, however, struggled defensively, allowing key hits to drop due to the wind.

The Cubs’ offensive momentum comes after a month of lackluster performance, where they had averaged only .215 in May. Crow-Armstrong’s breakout game has been a bright spot for the team, as he continues to establish himself as an impactful player early in his career.

“It’s nice seeing the crosstown fans leave early,” Crow-Armstrong remarked, showcasing the jubilation among Cubs fans in attendance.

Next, both teams will face off again on Saturday, with hopes of improving their standings in the much-anticipated City Series.