In a thrilling moment that encapsulated the unpredictable nature of baseball, St. Louis Cardinals’ shortstop Masyn Winn scored from second base on a sacrifice fly during a game against the Chicago Cubs on June 24, 2025, thanks to a mental lapse by Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. The play, which occurred in the top of the eighth inning at Wrigley Field, saw Crow-Armstrong mistakenly believe there were two outs, allowing Winn to tag up and race home unchallenged. This jaw-dropping sequence not only showcased Winn’s speed and instincts but also highlighted how a single miscue can swing momentum in a tightly contested NL Central rivalry game.
The Play That Stole the Show
With the Cardinals leading 2-1 in the eighth inning, Winn stood on second base after a leadoff double. Paul Goldschmidt lifted a fly ball to deep center field off Cubs reliever Drew Smyly. Crow-Armstrong, known for his elite defensive skills, made the catch but appeared confused about the number of outs. Believing there were two outs instead of one, he casually tossed the ball toward the infield rather than firing it to the plate or third base. Winn, alert to the situation, tagged up from second and sprinted home, sliding in safely to score a crucial insurance run, making it 3-1.
The play left fans, broadcasters, and even players stunned. As Yahoo Sports reported, “Masyn Winn scored from second base on a sac fly after Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong forgot the number of outs.” The Cardinals’ broadcast crew could barely contain their excitement, with one announcer exclaiming, “He thought there were two outs! Masyn Winn just stole a run!” Cubs broadcasters, meanwhile, lamented the error, noting Crow-Armstrong’s uncharacteristic lapse in a critical moment.
Masyn Winn’s Breakout Moment
At just 23 years old, Masyn Winn is quickly establishing himself as a dynamic force for the Cardinals. The former first-round pick (2020) has dazzled with his arm strength—clocked at 100.5 mph from shortstop, an MLB record—and his blazing speed. In 2025, Winn has batted .280 with 12 home runs, 45 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases through 78 games, earning consideration for his first All-Star nod. His heads-up base running against the Cubs underscored why he’s a cornerstone of St. Louis’ future.
Winn’s decision to tag up from second on a sacrifice fly was bold but calculated. As he explained postgame, “I saw him catch it and just kinda lob it in. I knew right away he thought the inning was over. I just took off and hoped I’d beat the throw.” His instincts paid off, turning a routine fly ball into a game-changing play. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol praised Winn’s awareness, saying, “That’s the kind of baseball IQ we love to see from Masyn. He’s always looking for an edge.”
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Costly Mistake
For Pete Crow-Armstrong, the play was a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar season. The 24-year-old outfielder, acquired by the Cubs in the 2021 Javier Báez trade with the Mets, has emerged as a Gold Glove-caliber defender with a .265 average, 8 home runs, and 18 stolen bases in 2025. His arm strength and range in center field have drawn comparisons to former Cubs greats, but on this play, his mental error proved costly.
Crow-Armstrong took full responsibility after the game, telling reporters, “I just lost track of the outs. I thought there were two, and I didn’t even think to look at the runner. It’s on me, and it won’t happen again.” Cubs manager Craig Counsell defended his young star, saying, “Pete’s been phenomenal for us. He made a mistake, but he’s human. He’ll learn from it.” Despite the gaffe, Crow-Armstrong’s overall contributions remain vital to a Cubs team fighting for a wild-card spot at 42-37.
Impact on the Game and Rivalry
The extra run proved pivotal, as the Cardinals held on for a 3-2 victory, improving to 44-34 and tightening their grip on second place in the NL Central. The Cubs, now 2.5 games behind St. Louis, missed a chance to gain ground in the division race. The play also added fuel to the storied Cardinals-Cubs rivalry, with fans on X buzzing about the moment. One user posted, “Pete Crow-Armstrong forgetting the outs and letting Masyn Winn score from second on a sac fly is peak Cubs-Cards chaos.” Another wrote, “Winn’s speed + PCA’s brain fart = Wrigley magic.”
Context and Historical Significance
Scoring from second base on a sacrifice fly is a rarity in modern baseball, requiring a combination of deep fly balls, slow defensive reactions, and elite base running. Winn’s play drew comparisons to similar moments, like Endy Chávez scoring from second on a sac fly in 2006 due to a defensive error. At Wrigley Field, where the spacious outfield and unpredictable wind can create chaos, such plays aren’t entirely unprecedented but remain memorable.
Masyn Winn’s alertness and Pete Crow-Armstrong’s candid admission remind us that even stars are human, and their growth fuels the sport’s narrative. As the Cardinals and Cubs battle for playoff positioning, moments like these will linger in fans’ minds, adding another chapter to one of MLB’s fiercest rivalries.