Sat Jul 05 20:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Cubs Explode with Franchise-Record 8 Home Runs, Busch Blasts Three in Holiday Rout of Cardinals**

**CHICAGO –** Independence Day fireworks erupted early at Wrigley Field on Thursday as the Chicago Cubs demolished the St. Louis Cardinals 11-3, fueled by a franchise-record eight home runs, including a stunning three-homer performance from first baseman Michael Busch.

Busch, 27, propelled the Cubs to victory with solo shots in the second and third innings off Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas, followed by a final homer in the seventh off reliever John King. It was the first three-homer game by a Cub since Rafael Ortega in 2021.

“Especially to do it at Wrigley Field,” Busch said, “it’s really cool. I think that was my first three-homer game ever. That’s one game I’ll never forget.”

Busch wasn’t alone in the power surge. Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong also contributed two home runs and made a diving catch in the first inning. Both Busch and Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-4 on the day, driving in seven of the team’s 11 runs. Designated hitter Seiya Suzuki, catcher Carson Kelly, and shortstop Dansby Swanson also joined the home run barrage, contributing to the Cubs’ record-setting day.

“It’s really easy to appreciate what we’re doing right now,” Crow-Armstrong said. “It’s also easy to just keep it going and not let that be something that we are dwelling on. It’s the best offense I’ve ever been a part of.”

Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas struggled immensely, setting a Cardinals franchise record by allowing six of the eight home runs, all within the first three innings. The Cardinals did end a scoreless streak when Brendan Donovan homered in the fourth.

Manager Craig Counsell took the dramatic turnaround in stride. “It’s the sport,” Counsell said. “It took us 10 innings to score one run yesterday. That’s what’s crazy about it. That’s why you turn the page every single day. We had a really good day today.”

The Cubs’ dominant offensive performance extended their lead over the Cardinals to 6.5 games in the division standings. Notably, Busch joins Moises Alou (2003) and Hank Leiber (1939) as the only Cubs to hit three home runs in a game against the Cardinals on Independence Day.

Read More