Cubs Claw Out City Series Win, Keep NL Central Heating Up

The Chicago Cubs edged out the White Sox 5–4 on Sunday, sealing a 5–1 season series sweep over their crosstown rivals and keeping pace with Milwaukee atop the NL Central at 62–43.

Ben Brown earned his first win since mid-June with five steady innings, giving up six hits and no earned runs despite working around baserunners. His performance was anchored early by his team’s offense.

Pete Crow‑Armstrong delivered the knockout blow, slicing a two-run double down the left-field line in the first inning off White Sox starter Grant Taylor, plating two teammates and setting a hostile tone early.

Nico Hoerner also made his mark, going 2-for-4 and pulling off a heads‑up defensive gem: letting an infield fly drop before nailing a comebacker runner at third to shut down a potential rally in the third.

Chicago padded the lead in the eighth when Ian Happ scored on interference, only for Andrew Benintendi’s second homer of the game to pull the Sox within one in the bottom half. But Daniel Palencia closed it out flawlessly in the ninth, collecting his 14th save in 15 tries and preserving the win.

Despite 13 strikeouts—including four by leadoff hitter Michael Busch—the Cubs did enough when needed. Their clutch situational hitting, standout defense, and bullpen reliability have them locked in as serious contenders in the Central.

Up next: A pivotal divisional showdown in Milwaukee, where the Cubs send Matthew Boyd (11–3, 2.20 ERA) to the mound Monday night against the Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski (4–1, 2.45 ERA).