Fri Sep 26 19:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Cubs Crush Mets, Eye Home-Field Advantage in Wild Card Race**

**CHICAGO, IL** – The Chicago Cubs put on a dominant display Wednesday night, defeating the New York Mets 10-3 at Wrigley Field and further solidifying their position in the National League Wild Card race. Fueled by an energized crowd, the Cubs are determined to secure home-field advantage for the Wild Card Series.

The highlight of the night came in the fifth inning when center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong showcased his aggressive baserunning. After advancing to third on a passed ball, Crow-Armstrong noticed Mets reliever Clay Holmes slow to cover home plate. With a burst of speed, he sprinted home, sliding across the plate to the delight of the Wrigley faithful.

“Wrigley’s already got it in them,” Crow-Armstrong said. “Everybody that shows up, they’re ready to party. I think everybody knows that we’re getting close to October baseball.”

The Cubs currently hold a 2 1/2-game lead over the San Diego Padres for the top Wild Card spot, guaranteeing them a home series in the best-of-three Wild Card round. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the team’s desire to play at home, saying, “It’s a goal of ours, for sure, to be at home… You’re going to get a unanimous vote — we’d rather play at home.”

Starting pitcher Matthew Boyd continued his impressive season at Wrigley Field, improving to 12-1 on the year. He pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing only two runs. Boyd’s ERA at home stands at an impressive 2.51, a feat not seen by a Cubs pitcher with at least a dozen wins at Wrigley Field since Greg Maddux in 1992.

The Cubs’ offense was equally potent, highlighted by a five-run third inning. Ian Happ delivered a two-run double, followed by RBI hits from Moisés Ballesteros and Seiya Suzuki. Matt Shaw and Michael Busch added home runs to pad the lead.

Boyd praised the team’s versatility, stating, “It’s our brand of baseball. We slugged. We scrapped across runs. We manufactured runs. We kind of did a little bit of everything. I mean, that’s the potency of this lineup. We can beat you in multiple ways.”

Crow-Armstrong’s heads-up play in the fifth epitomized the team’s aggressive mindset. “That’s when instinct kind of kicks in and takes over,” he explained. “I’m always kind of looking for plays like that. They just rarely happen.”

With their eyes firmly set on October baseball, the Cubs are poised to bring playoff excitement back to Wrigley Field.

“Being able to give these fans October baseball,” Crow-Armstrong said, “that’s going to be real special.”

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