Five home runs in two games: Pete Crow-Armstrong is gunning for the MVP

For several months now, Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong have been locked in a fierce battle for the National League MVP title. The two players, who have been performing at a similar offensive pace, have sparked debate over which has a greater impact: their performance on the mound or their defensive play in center field.

One was pitching like a Cy Young candidate, while the other was the best defensive player in the Majors playing center field.

Except that Ohtani, as we know, hasn't pitched in several weeks. And on Saturday night, we learned that his return to the mound was in jeopardy… just hours after seeing PCA hit three home runs in a single game.

Crow-Armstrong, as a result, became the favorite to win the title. And last night, against the Reds, he made sure to solidify that status.

He hit not one, but two more home runs. That brings his total to five over his last two games.

The Cubs still suffered a 7-5 loss. But in reality, the game's outcome isn't what we'll remember most about all this in the MVP race.

PCA is currently the most electrifying player in the Majors. He's tearing everything apart in his path, and a 40/40 season (he currently has 38 home runs and 32 stolen bases) is more than possible.

Add to that the fact that he's the best defensive player in MLB, and he's starting to build a pretty strong case for himself.

If Ohtani were able to pitch and were still dominant on the mound, the debate would be valid. But as things stand, we don't see him returning to the mound anytime soon.

And PCA, meanwhile, has just hit 14 home runs in his last 23 games. More than ever, he's playing like a guy who wants the MVP… and who deserves it.

• The Blue Jays won an important game thanks to Max Scherzer.

• We're wondering how he's doing this morning.

• Things got heated between the Yankees and the Red Sox.

• Konnor Griffin is nearing a return.

Created by humans, assisted by AI.