Cubs Defeat Twins 8-1 to Avoid Series Sweep

The Chicago Cubs defeated the Minnesota Twins 8-1 in a game highlighted by Pete Crow-Armstrong's two home runs, marking his fifth multi-homer game this season and securing his spot as a National League All-Star. Crow-Armstrong hit a 414-foot two-run homer in the third inning and followed it with a 425-foot solo shot in the seventh, propelling the Cubs to avoid a series sweep. Twins pitcher Chris Paddack, who was mentored by Cubs starter Colin Rea during his Tommy John surgery recovery, struggled by allowing 11 hits and six runs over five innings, resulting in his eighth loss of the season. Rea outpitched Paddack, delivering seven innings with only three hits allowed and earning his seventh win. Despite the loss, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised his team's competitiveness over the series, noting their ability to win two games against the Cubs. The Twins won the series 2-1 and hold a 4-2 record in their current nine-game homestand, though they faced a strong showing by Cubs fans at their home stadium.