The Cubs' 9-7 victory over the Orioles on Wednesday night was a thrilling display of offensive prowess and defensive resilience. It showcased the team's ability to bounce back from adversity, but also highlighted the need for bullpen improvements. Pete Crow-Armstrong's two home runs were the highlight of a 5-HR outburst, marking him as the first MLB player this year with a 20/20 season. The Cubs' back-to-back homers were a sight to behold, with Michael Conforto and Carson Kelly joining the party. However, the real test came in the seventh inning, where the Cubs almost blew a six-run lead due to dodgy relief work. Grant Wolfram, a rookie reliever, walked three batters in a row, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, to load the bases. The Cubs' bullpen issues were further exposed when Drew Pomeranz allowed a home run to Tyler O'Neill, cutting the lead to 4-5. The Orioles then tied the game with two homers of their own, bringing the score to 9-7. The Cubs' closer, Jacob Webb, recorded his fourth save of the season, but the team's struggles in the bullpen remain a concern. The Cubs' ability to win despite these setbacks is a testament to their resilience, but it also underscores the need for bullpen reinforcements. The team's recent success, including a 5-HR game, has helped them gain ground in the wild card race, but the need for bullpen help remains a pressing issue.
