Sat May 17 19:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Cubs Crush White Sox in Crosstown Classic Opener, 13-3
**CHICAGO** — Pete Crow-Armstrong exploded for a career-high six RBIs, including a three-run homer, as the Chicago Cubs dominated the Chicago White Sox 13-3 in the first game of their crosstown rivalry series on Friday at a breezy Wrigley Field.
The NL Central-leading Cubs powered their way to victory, with Seiya Suzuki adding two hits and two RBIs, and Nico Hoerner scoring three runs. Rookie Cade Horton (2-0) earned the win in his first major league start, pitching five innings and allowing three runs.
The win marked the Cubs’ sixth consecutive victory against the White Sox, tying a franchise record for the series.
While Miguel Vargas shone for the White Sox, hitting two home runs in his first career multi-homer game and matching a career-high with four hits, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Cubs’ offensive onslaught.
The turning point came in the second inning when the Cubs erupted for six runs against White Sox starter Shane Smith (1-3). A series of hits, an error, and Crow-Armstrong’s towering three-run blast put the Cubs ahead for good.
“It felt good to contribute,” Crow-Armstrong said after the game. “The wind was blowing out a bit, but I was just trying to put a good swing on the ball.”
Smith, a rookie right-hander, was charged with one earned run on seven hits in five innings, striking out five and walking one. Crow-Armstrong continued his RBI surge later in the game, driving in one run with a wind-aided single in the sixth and two more with another single in the seventh. Moisés Ballesteros also contributed with his first major league hit, an RBI single in the eighth.
“We came out ready to play,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “Cade pitched well in his first start and the offense was clicking. We’re looking to continue the momentum tomorrow.”
The White Sox will look to bounce back on Saturday as Sean Burke (2-4, 4.15 ERA) takes the mound against Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (3-2, 2.78 ERA).
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