On Saturday, the Chicago Cubs downed the National League Central rival St. Louis Cardinals, 7-3, thanks to a history-making day at the plate from first baseman Michael Busch.
Back on July 4, Busch finished 4-for-4 in an 11-3 win over the Cardinals, becoming the first Cubs player since Hall of Famer Ernie Banks in 1963 to homer three times in a game. Busch recorded a career-high 13 total bases that day, and after repeating the feat Saturday, joined an impressive short list.
In Saturday's victory, Busch recorded four extra-base hits, including a double, triple, and a home run, finishing 4-for-4, with 13 total bases. According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Busch is only the sixth player over the previous 125 MLB seasons to have two games with 13 or more total bases in a single season, joining Kyle Schwarber (2024), Alex Rodriguez (2005), Geronimo Berroa (1996), Joe Carter (1986), Willie Mays (1961), and Joe DiMaggio (1948).
Meanwhile, Busch also made Cubs history after launching a lead-off home run in the first inning Saturday, his 33rd of the year. He joined Derrek Lee and Banks as the only Cubs' first baseman to have 33 or more long balls in a single season, as The Wrigley Wire pointed out.
Busch could have had a much bigger day at the plate
Busch made history on Saturday, but the day could've been even more memorable. However, the Cardinals didn't want to play ball.
In the 8th inning, with the Cubs leading 7-3, Busch came to the plate just a single shy of hitting for the cycle. Instead of pitching to Busch, the Cardinals decided to walk him intentionally, stealing away a shot at history, despite it being a wholly meaningless game for St. Louis.
Regardless, Busch and the Cubs walked away with the victory and the last laugh. Busch still accomplished a monumental feat, and one team is heading to the postseason, while the other is not.