Crow-Armstrong: HR out of the zone shocking; Cubs star shines with power

Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong described hitting the home run on the furthest pitch out of the strike zone so far this season in MLB as “great”. The pitch, a high fastball from Pittsburgh Pirates opener Andrew Heaney in the fourth inning on Thursday night, was located 8.1 inches above the edge of the strike zone. According to data, this is the farthest distance from the zone that has been connected for a home run this year. Crow-Armstrong sent the ball to right field, breaking the scoreless tie.

I’m just focusing on getting to the release on time. He has a good fastball with a low release. It comes with a lot of effect. I’m already thinking about it. It’s good to execute on a release like that.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

The two-run hit was Crow-Armstrong’s 18th of the season, all achieved in the last two months. He has proven to be a master at connecting balls outside the strike zone, both above and below, for home runs.

What you’ve seen in 30 years of baseball says it’s difficult to hit home runs on those balls. He’s proving me wrong.

Craig Counsell, Cubs manager

In addition to connecting on Heaney’s high fastball, Crow-Armstrong also has two of the five home runs connected in MLB this season to pitches at least three inches below the zone, including one that was 5.8 inches below in early May.

Sometimes he connects them from the ground and sometimes he connects them over his head. I don’t even know how to pitch to Pete, to be honest.

Ryan Pressly, Cubs reliever

Crow-Armstrong is making a strong All-Star push in his second full season in the Major Leagues. In addition to 18 home runs, he has 21 stolen bases and plays Gold Glove caliber defense for the first-place Cubs. He arrives on time and that allows him to execute his swing. His swing can handle many pitches. Crow-Armstrong is tied for second in the National League in RBIs with teammate Seiya Suzuki, who also hit a home run on Thursday. The two have been competing for the team lead in both categories. Suzuki has 17 home runs to Crow-Armstrong’s 18. This has created a fun rivalry between the two, as they have been part of a dangerous trio, along with right fielder Kyle Tucker, in the middle of the Cubs’ lineup.

What I’m doing is just contributing to the big picture. I’m still trying to play my role because that’s what has worked really well for us. On any given day I don’t have to be the guy. That’s the coolest thing in the world.

Pete Crow-Armstrong