The Chicago Cubs took to PNC Park with a mission and emerged with a 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. This win improved the Cubs’ season record to an impressive 87-64, keeping them firm in second place in the NL Central. The loss pushed the Pirates further down, leaving them at 65-87 and fifth in the division.
From the start, the Cubs set the tone with a pair of runs in the first inning. The Pirates responded with a run of their own in the bottom half, but it was the Cubs who continued to control the game. An additional run in the second inning further widened the gap, pushing the Pirates onto their heels.
Cubs’ Offensive Spark
Matt Busch was a standout for the Cubs, going 3-for-4 with a home run and two doubles, contributing heavily to the team’s offensive output. Busch’s performance was pivotal, marking a day where his prowess at the plate was undeniable. Nico Hoerner also shone brightly, adding three hits to the Cubs’ tally and maintaining his strong season average of .299.
Pete Crow-Armstrong had a productive evening as well, driving in two runs despite a challenging 1-for-4 outing at the plate. Ian Happ added to the Cubs’ scoreline with a sacrifice fly, while his patience at the plate earned him two walks. The Cubs collectively amassed 14 hits against a struggling Pirates’ pitching staff.
Stellar Pitching Showdown
Cade Horton was dominant on the mound for the Cubs, going five innings and allowing just one run on three hits. Horton showcased his capability with six strikeouts, working efficiently to keep the Pirates at bay and lower his season ERA to 2.70. The Cubs’ bullpen was untouchable, with Drew Pomeranz, Andrew Kittredge, Caleb Thielbar, and Brad Keller combining for four scoreless innings.
The Pirates’ starter, Paul Skenes, had a rough night, surrendering three runs over 3.2 innings. Despite racking up six strikeouts, Skenes’ command was inconsistent, leading to three walks and a costly home run to Busch. The Pirates’ bullpen, however, managed to stem the tide somewhat, with Colin Mlodzinski delivering three innings of scoreless relief.
Pirates’ Offensive Woes
The Pirates struggled to find any rhythm offensively, managing just four hits in the entire contest. Oneil Cruz drove in the only run for Pittsburgh with a triple in the first inning, providing a brief glimmer of hope. However, his effort wasn’t enough as the rest of the lineup failed to capitalize on any opportunities.
Jared Triolo and Bryan Reynolds had a tough night, going hitless with a combined four strikeouts. The Pirates, whose offensive ranks are near the bottom of the league, continued to find runs hard to come by against a stout Cubs pitching staff.
With the win, the Cubs look ahead to the remaining games in the series and beyond, seeking to close the gap in the division standings. They will face the Pirates again tomorrow, hoping to extend their winning streak and further solidify their postseason aspirations.
The Pirates, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and find answers on both sides of the ball. As they prepare for another clash with the Cubs, the focus will be on finding consistency and capitalizing on offensive chances.
As the season winds down, each game takes on heightened significance, and for the Cubs, maintaining momentum is key. Meanwhile, the Pirates aim to finish strong, giving their fans something to cheer about as they play out the final games of a challenging season.
