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Pete Crow-Armstrong’s self criticism stood out after Cubs defeat

PCA homered in the ninth inning, but the Cubs outfielder was far more focused on the opportunities he missed earlier in the game.
ByCasey McAleer|
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May 12, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after an out against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
May 12, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after an out against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Pete Crow-Armstrong was unusually hard on himself after the Cubs 8-3 loss to the White Sox despite facing one of the hottest pitchers in baseball. Davis Martin now sits at 6-1 and maintains a 1.61 ERA, the third best in the league right now. It was a stark comparison to the Cubs own pitching woes.

PCA was one of the only Cubs hitters to produce anything against the White Sox ace. But despite bringing two of the Cubs three runs to the plate, PCA understands that baseball is a team sport, and that even if you do well as an individual, you're still only as strong as the weakest link. PCA's two-run homer in the 9th was the brightest spot of the Cubs offense all game.

Pete Crow-Armstrong cared more about the missed opportunities

"I only saw four pitches in two at bats, so I mean, he challenged me in my first one honestly. Realistically, I'd probably like to see some more pitches that first at bat, but, you know, that, that second at bat when he goes first pitch curveball, kind of a perfect, perfectly executed pitch. It's tough the second time around when you only seen one fastball right down the middle and miss it."
Pete Crow-Armstrong

PCA swung at the first pitch in his first at bat that led to a fly out. PCA wasn't as upset with the result as he was with the process that got him there. The first few pitches against a new pitching matchup is essential to understanding a pitcher. Swinging and popping out on the first swing removes the possibility of any information gleaned from a smarter at-bat.

It shows genuine leadership that PCA took the loss as hard as he presents. The disappointment is not so much in his team for failing as it is in himself for not doing more to enable his team to win. Personal accountability is a trait you find in players that stick around for the long haul, and with PCA's abilities, the Cubs would be glad to have him for a decade or more.

Even after delivering the Cubs' biggest offensive moment of the night, Crow-Armstrong walked away thinking about the pitches he missed instead of the homer he crushed. That kind of mentality is exactly why the Cubs continue viewing the young center fielder as one of the cornerstones of their future.

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