Full Breakdown
Cubs Complete Three-Game Walk-Off Sweep of Reds
5/7/2026, 11:40:55 PM
The Decisive Game
On May 6, 2026 the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 7–6 in ten innings at Wrigley Field. After Pete Crow-Armstrong’s two-run homer tied the game in the ninth, the Cubs loaded the bases in the tenth. Brock Burke’s 3-1 pitch missed the zone, and Michael Busch drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the winning run.
Streaks and Standings
The win gave Chicago its seventh straight overall, 13th home win in a row and third consecutive walk-off—a first three-game walk-off streak versus one opponent since 1943. The Cubs lead the NL Central by 2.5 games; the Reds have dropped to a tie for last.
Key Players and Pitching Moves
Cubs highlights: Michael Busch’s walk-off walk, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s game-tying homer, Ian Happ’s two-run first-inning blast, Seiya Suzuki’s two RBIs. Manager Craig Counsell used relievers Trent Thornton (10th-inning win) and Brock Burke (walk-off pitch) after Colin Rea left at 5 1/3 innings. For the Reds, Elly De La Cruz drove in three runs; JJ Bleday and Spencer Steer homered. Manager Terry Francona relied on a depleted bullpen after closer Emilio Pagán’s hamstring injury and Rhett Lowder’s shoulder problem.
Official Statements & Responses
Counsell said, “We do prepare in the right way and we do the right things before pitch one.” He praised Crow-Armstrong’s effort as “as fun as it gets.” Burke admitted, “No matter what time of year it is, you’ve got to throw strikes.” Francona stressed, “We’ve got to improve. It’s going to certainly help us win when we do.”
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted the Reds’ bullpen as a liability, noting the club ranks second in the league for walks and has surrendered runs on three-ball counts. Bleed Cubbie Blue criticized the Cubs for leaving Corbin Martin in a save situation, citing his 54.00 ERA after a brief appearance.
On-the-Ground Report
The walk-off unfolded with the bases loaded and two outs. Burke’s 3-1 pitch drifted outside, and Busch took a four-seam fastball for a ball, forcing a walk that brought home the winning run.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Associated Press recap described Busch’s winning play as a single, while multiple eyewitness accounts and game footage confirm it was a walk, leaving a minor inconsistency in the official record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I told (bench coach Ryan Flaherty) before the at-bat, ‘You just don’t know what’s going to happen when Pete comes up,’” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
- “No matter what time of year it is, you’ve got to throw strikes,” — Brock Burke, Cubs reliever
- “We’ve got to improve. It’s going to certainly help us win when we do.” — Terry Francona, Reds manager
- “I couldn't ask for anything more from this group of guys,” — Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs outfielder
What’s Next
The Cubs will try to complete a sweep on Thursday with left-hander Shota Imanaga starting. The Reds will counter with Rhett Lowder, hoping to halt their slide. Both clubs remain in the NL Central race.
