The Chicago Cubs shut out the Philadelphia Phillies 4-0 on Friday at Wrigley Field, running their impressive record to 17-10 overall. The Cubs are in first place in the National League Central while the 13-13 Phillies are in second in the National League East.

Wednesday night in a back-and-forth battle that was incredibly fun, just like the see-saw, extra-inning thriller on Tuesday that ended with an 11-10 Cubs victory. Pete Crow-Armstrong was a central figure in both wins and we'll circle back to him quickly.

The Cubs hired Craig Counsell away from the Milwaukee Brewers, in part, for the manager’s patience with young talent. During Crow-Armstrong’s rookie season last year, Counsell stressed the importance of focusing on defense and base running rather than worrying about the offensive numbers. That is easier said than done.