Cubs’ Matt Shaw Delivers After Mets Announcers Criticize

The Chicago Cubs’ rookie sensation Matt Shaw grabbed headlines this week—both for skipping a game and then for showing up big when it mattered. In Wednesday’s 10-3 win over the New York Mets, Shaw went 3-for-4, launched a home run, and crossed the plate three times. That’s the kind of night that gets people talking, especially with the Cubs already locked into the playoffs.

The Mets, meanwhile, are still clinging to a Wild Card spot, just a game ahead of the Reds with four left. Shaw’s performance came after Mets broadcasters criticized him for missing a previous game due to personal reasons tied to his Christian faith and his friendship with the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Matt Shaw’s Breakout Performance Against the Mets

Under the lights at Wrigley Field, Shaw delivered exactly what the Cubs hoped for when they brought him up. He sparked Chicago’s offense, helping the team pour on ten runs and cruise past the Mets.

Key Highlights From Shaw’s Night

Shaw’s stat line jumped out in a few ways:

• 3-for-4 at the plate, showing patience and a sharp eye.
• A solo home run that fired up the crowd and kept the Cubs rolling.
• Three runs scored, proving he’s a threat on the bases, not just in the batter’s box.

It’s the kind of energy you want heading into October, and Shaw’s showing he might just be the spark plug the Cubs need.

The Controversy Surrounding Shaw’s Absence

Even with his big night, people are still talking about Shaw’s choice to sit out a game earlier this week. Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen questioned why Shaw would miss a game during a playoff push to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial. Cohen called the move “weird,” since it wasn’t for a family emergency or anything like that.

Todd Zeile’s Perspective

Former player and Mets announcer Todd Zeile agreed, calling the situation “unprecedented.” He pointed out that fans and even some Cubs staff didn’t know why Shaw was out until after the fact. That’s pretty unusual, especially with so much on the line in late September.

Shaw’s Explanation: Faith and Friendship

Shaw stood by his decision, saying his Christian faith is central to who he is. He described Kirk as a friend and said he felt he needed to be at the memorial, even if it meant catching some heat from the public.

Remembering Charlie Kirk

Kirk, a well-known conservative voice and Cubs supporter, was tragically killed earlier this month while speaking at Utah Valley University. The memorial brought together people from all walks of life, and Shaw said his attendance was about honoring a friend and sticking to his beliefs.

Impact on the Cubs and the NL Wild Card Race

Shaw’s return gave the Cubs a lift as they gear up for the postseason. His bat could become a real X-factor in October. For the Mets, though, this loss stings. The Wild Card race just got tighter, with the Reds only a game back and four left to play. Every game counts now, and nobody’s breathing easy yet.

Looking Ahead

Chicago can focus on fine-tuning their lineup and giving key players some rest before the playoffs. Shaw faces the challenge of keeping his form sharp and dealing with the media attention that’s followed him this week.

Honestly, if Wednesday’s game tells us anything, it’s that he’s more than ready to let his play do the talking. This week’s been a wild mix of controversy and triumph for Matt Shaw.

His story really sits at that tricky spot where personal beliefs and professional duties collide in sports. Debates about what athletes do off the field aren’t exactly new, but Shaw’s electric performance has pulled the spotlight back to baseball—at least for now.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs’ Matt Shaw has epic game after Mets announcers criticize him for attending Charlie Kirk memorial