Under the clear skies of PNC Park, the Chicago Cubs continued their push for postseason positioning with a 4–0 shutout victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the temperature hitting 100 degrees, the Cubs maintained their focus and improved their record to 85-64, securing their spot in the second position of the NL Central.
Jameson Taillon led the charge from the mound, displaying exceptional control as he pitched six innings. Allowing only two hits and no runs, Taillon notched his ninth win of the season, showcasing a 4.15 ERA. The Pirates struggled to get a rhythm going against the Cubs’ pitching staff, accumulating only three hits throughout the evening.
Cubs’ Offensive Contributions
The Cubs’ offense was efficient, scattering nine hits and capitalizing on key opportunities. Pete Crow-Armstrong was a standout performer with two hits, two runs, and one RBI, pushing his batting average to .246. Matt Busch also made his presence felt with a solo home run, contributing to his .256 average for the season.
Dansby Swanson provided additional support with two hits, including a double, and an RBI. His consistent performance at the plate bolstered the Cubs’ lineup, allowing them to maintain pressure on the Pirates’ pitching staff. Nico Hoerner and Carson Kelly each chipped in with a hit, adding depth to the Cubs’ offensive efforts.
Braxton Ashcraft, starting for the Pirates, pitched four innings but struggled with control, surrendering six hits and three runs. His ERA climbed to 2.47 as he took his second loss of the season. The Pirates’ bullpen put forth a better effort, with Colin Sanders allowing only one run over 1.2 innings, and the rest of the relievers holding the Cubs scoreless.
Locked Down Defense
Defensively, the Cubs were flawless, committing no errors and turning routine plays efficiently. Phil Cuzzi, overseeing home plate, ensured a fair game with his experienced umpiring, supported by his crew at each base. The Pirates, meanwhile, matched the Cubs’ clean defensive effort, making no errors despite the loss.
On the Pirates’ side, Spencer Horwitz managed a hit, his 23rd double of the season, while Bryan Reynolds added another hit in his limited at-bats. Despite these efforts, the Pirates couldn’t string together enough offense to threaten the Cubs’ lead. Veteran Andrew McCutchen and Nick Gonzales also took their turns at the plate but were unable to spark a rally.
Looking Ahead
With this win, the Cubs keep the pressure on the NL Central leaders, trailing by just five games as they prepare for the remaining regular-season battles. Manager Craig Counsell will look to keep his squad focused as they aim to close the gap and make a playoff push. The upcoming games against the Pirates at PNC Park provide an opportunity for the Cubs to strengthen their position further.
The Pirates, under Manager Don Kelly, face an uphill battle as they remain at the bottom of the NL Central. They will need to regroup quickly with another game against the Cubs looming. Despite their current struggles, the Pirates have shown resilience at home, holding a 42-33 record at PNC Park.
As the series continues, the Cubs will look to Mike Soroka, who recently impressed with two scoreless innings of relief work, to provide stability in the bullpen. Meanwhile, the Pirates will aim to find offensive consistency and turn things around in their home ballpark.
With the season winding down, both teams are keen on ending strong. For the Cubs, it’s about securing a postseason berth, while the Pirates focus on building for the future. Each game offers a chance for growth, learning, and a step toward their respective goals.
