PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a decisive 3-2 win against the Chicago Cubs in the opening game of the series at Wrigley Field, thanks to a clutch home run by Jack Suwinski. This victory ended the Pirates’ five-game losing streak that had included a tough series against the Milwaukee Brewers and back-to-back losses to the Cincinnati Reds.
Pitching and Early Offense Set the Stage for a Close Contest
Rookie right-handed pitcher Braxton Ashcraft started for the Pirates, delivering a strong performance with five innings pitched and four strikeouts while allowing just one earned run. Early in the game, Ashcraft managed to contain the Cubs’ offense, despite giving up a few well-placed hits such as a leadoff double to Pete Crow-Armstrong in the second inning. He escaped multiple jams, relying on groundouts from key Cubs hitters Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson.
Offensively, the Pirates produced their first hit in the third inning when shortstop Jared Triolo singled. This was followed by a pivotal moment in the fourth inning when Nick Gonzales walked with two outs and Andrew McCutchen drove him in with a double down the right field line, putting Pittsburgh ahead 1-0. This hit marked McCutchen’s 2,243rd career hit, surpassing Hall of Famer Joe Kelley to move into 176th place on <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB’s all-time hits list.
Cubs Fight Back as Game Remains Tight
Chicago answered in the fourth inning when Seiya Suzuki doubled to start the frame, eventually scoring on a single by Crow-Armstrong to tie the game at 1-1. The Cubs showcased their base-running acumen, but the Pirates’ right fielder Bryan Reynolds performed a strong defensive play by throwing Crow-Armstrong out at second base to end the inning.
The Pirates continued to threaten offensively, with Ronny Simon reaching second base via a walk and steal in the fifth inning, though the rally stalled when Spencer Horwitz struck out. In the sixth, Triolo again created an opportunity by singling and stealing second, scoring on Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s clutch double that split two Cubs outfielders, giving the Pirates a 2-1 lead.
Relief Pitchers Hold the Line Amid Cubs’ Late Rally Attempts
Pittsburgh introduced left-handed reliever Evan Sisk, making his Pirates debut in relief of Ashcraft. Sisk threw a scoreless sixth inning but struggled briefly in the seventh, hitting Crow-Armstrong with a pitch. Isaac Mattson replaced Sisk and experienced moments of tension as he loaded the bases after two singles but managed to keep the Cubs from taking the lead.
Mattson’s efforts were supported by strong defensive plays, and when he walked Ian Happ in the eighth inning, the Pirates countered by bringing in Dennis Santana from the bullpen. The pressure heightened as Davis threw out Happ attempting to steal second base, maintaining the tie and setting the stage for the Pirates’ late-game heroics.
Jack Suwinski’s Walk-Off Home Run Seals the Win
In the ninth inning, with the game tied 2-2, Jack Suwinski delivered the decisive blow by connecting on a 101 mph fastball, sending a solo home run over the left field fence to give the Pirates a 3-2 lead. This opposite-field homer electrified the Pirates and their fans, marking a pivotal moment in the game and the season for Pittsburgh.
In the Cubs’ final opportunity, Pete Crow-Armstrong singled and attempted to steal second base but was tagged out by Jared Triolo after oversliding the bag, quashing their hope for a comeback. Dennis Santana then secured the final two outs to clinch the victory, bringing an end to the Pirates’ recent losing skid.
Looking Ahead: Pirates Aim to Build Momentum in Series
With this win, the Pittsburgh Pirates regained confidence as they head into the next game against the Cubs on August 16 at Wrigley Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. EST, giving the Pirates a chance to capitalize on their momentum and potentially take the series. Key players such as McCutchen, Suwinski, and Ashcraft will likely play crucial roles as Pittsburgh looks to maintain this fresh surge in success.