After getting swept by the Brewers, the Cubs entered their series against the Pirates at 81-66, looking for a response. They delivered, winning two of three games in Pittsburgh to keep pace in the wild card race.
Friday was what the Cubs needed. Chicago’s offense went for 16 hits, snapping the Pirates’ four-game winning streak. Alex Bregman hit his 25th home run of the season, while Shota Imanaga delivered another quality start. Seiya Suzuki led the way offensively with three hits, including a triple, and scored three runs. Five Cubs finished with at least two hits as Chicago put together one of its better offensive performances of September. Trent Thornton closed out the win. Wilber Dotel took the loss for Pittsburgh.
On Saturday, the Cubs entered the eighth inning down one before Nico Hoerner had the game-winning at-bat. Pinch-hitter Matt Shaw helped keep the inning alive, forcing in the go-ahead run from third to tie the game at three. Gregory Soto gave up those two runs, and he took the loss. Ryan Rollins recorded five outs before Ryan Zefhanjan closed the door for his sixth save of the season. The Cubs’ bullpen, which has had a generationally bad run, showed improvement in this series.
Paul Skenes turned in another strong start, allowing two runs on four hits over seven innings while striking out four and walking one. Michael Busch and Pedro Ramirez provided additional power with home runs as the Cubs won their second straight game.
After this game the Chicago Tribune reported on Craig Counsell’s post game conference. He stated, “"Being a high leverage reliever sometimes you get beat and it hurts but you get the next night and say go do it again”, crediting the last 10 outs and comeback to Chicago's bullpen.
The Pirates avoided the sweep Sunday. Brandon Lowe earned the win with a two-run single, while Miguel Amaya homered for Chicago and Busch recorded two hits. Matthew Boyd started for the Cubs and allowed four runs on seven hits over 5⅓ innings. The loss was his second straight, as Chicago could not complete the sweep.
Taking two of three was a significant result for the Cubs after the disappointment of being swept by Milwaukee. More importantly, the Cubs remain right in the middle of the NL wild card race. Chicago is currently tied with the Phillies, with the Cubs holding the tiebreaker. The Cubs now turn their attention to the Braves, while Philadelphia faces the Nationals.
The Cubs did not get the sweep, but winning the series kept them in position. Now, the focus shifts to Atlanta, where every game could have postseason implications.
