Chicago Cubs veteran Justin Turner proved he still has power in 2025 by launching his first home run of the season on Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. The 40-year-old turned the tide in the top of the third inning, hitting a home run off Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott to put the Cubs on the board. Pete Crow-Armstrong, a teammate of Turner’s, shared his admiration for the veteran’s accomplishment, spotlighting Turner’s rare feat for a player over 40.
Turner’s homer placed him alongside legendary players like Miguel Cabrera as one of the few to hit home runs at such an age. Pete Crow-Armstrong reposted a graphic from MLB celebrating Turner and Cabrera as
last two players to hit a HR at age 40+
on his Instagram story. Turner began the 2025 season under a one-year, $6 million contract and has participated in 30 games so far, maintaining a .208 batting average with 11 RBIs, one home run, and a stolen base.
Reds dominate early to secure 6-4 win over Cubs
Despite Turner’s notable home run, the Chicago Cubs were ultimately outscored by the Cincinnati Reds, who established an early lead. The Reds opened the scoring when shortstop Elly De La Cruz hit a two-run homer in the first inning off Cubs starter Colin Rea. The Reds added another run in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly by Will Benson, setting the score at 3-1.
Elly De La Cruz was instrumental throughout the game, further driving in two runs with a single in the fifth inning, becoming the first player this season to record multiple games with a home run, stolen base, and four RBIs. Later in the fifth, Spencer Steer’s RBI single extended Cincinnati’s lead to 6-1. The Cubs rallied late by scoring a run in each of the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings, driven by Ian Happ’s groundout, a sac-fly by Pete Crow-Armstrong, and a solo home run by Carson Kelly.
Despite the late surge, the Cubs fell short and lost 6-4. With this victory, the Reds improved their record to 26-27, while Chicago’s record slipped to 31-21. The series will conclude on Sunday, with the Reds set to start Nick Lodolo and the Cubs planning to send Ben Brown to the mound.
Implications of Turner’s performance and upcoming series finale
Justin Turner’s ability to hit home runs at age 40 highlights his enduring talent and impact on the Cubs’ lineup. Pete Crow-Armstrong’s public recognition of Turner’s achievement underscores the respect held for veteran players maintaining productivity beyond typical peak years. While Turner’s contribution helped energize the Cubs, Cincinnati’s early dominance proved decisive in this game.
The upcoming Sunday matchup between Nick Lodolo and Ben Brown will be critical for both teams as they seek to claim the series victory. The Reds aim to continue their climb toward a winning record, and the Cubs look to regain momentum as they target playoff contention. Turner’s veteran presence and Crow-Armstrong’s growing role reflect the balance of experience and youth influencing the Cubs’ future prospects.