Pirates 4 - Cubs 3 (9/13/2026): Pirates' Three-Run Sixth Inning Secures Win

Under the blistering heat of a 100-degree day at Wrigley Field, the Pittsburgh Pirates edged out the Chicago Cubs with a 4–3 victory. This win advanced the Pirates to a 74-75 record, holding steady in third place within the NL Central. The Cubs, with their loss, slipped to 83-66 but remain in the second spot of the same division.

Pirates Take the Lead

The Pirates struck first, putting a run on the board in the opening inning. Their bats quieted for the next few innings until they erupted with a decisive three-run surge in the sixth. This offensive burst was enough to keep them just ahead of the Cubs.

Brandon Lowe played a crucial role, contributing two RBIs despite only going 1-for-2 at the plate. Bryan Reynolds continued his consistent performance with two hits, one RBI, and a run scored, showcasing his critical presence in the Pirates' lineup. Nick Gonzales also added to the tally with an RBI, further cementing the Pirates' edge in this crucial inning.

Cubs' Attempts to Rally

Down by a run early, the Cubs found themselves struggling to catch up until the fifth inning when they managed to bring in two runs. Miguel Amaya's two-run homer offered the Cubs a glimmer of hope, tightening the scoreline and energizing the Chicago faithful.

Despite this effort, the Cubs only managed one more run in the following inning, courtesy of Nico Hoerner's contribution. The Pirates' bullpen proved steadfast in their efforts to contain the Cubs' rally, shutting them down effectively in the latter innings.

Pitching Performances

Bubba Chandler stood firm on the mound for the Pirates, earning the win with 5.1 innings pitched, allowing five hits and three earned runs while striking out three. Chandler demonstrated resilience, working through a few tense situations to keep the Cubs from overtaking the lead.

The Pirates' bullpen trio of Carmen Mlodzinski, Luke Weaver, and Mike Montgomery held the Cubs scoreless over the final 3.2 innings, sealing the win. Their combined efforts were instrumental in preserving the lead and securing the victory for Pittsburgh.

For the Cubs, Matthew Boyd suffered the loss, pitching 5.1 innings while giving up four earned runs on seven hits. Despite Boyd's solid start, the Pirates' sixth-inning surge proved too much to overcome, leading to his departure.

Looking Ahead

With this win, the Pirates aim to continue their momentum as they return home to PNC Park for a series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The team looks to capitalize on their recent victory to inch closer to a .500 record.

The Cubs will remain at Wrigley Field, preparing to face the Atlanta Braves. Seeking to rebound from today's loss, the Cubs will aim to fortify their position within the NL Central.

Both teams will continue to navigate the crucial last stretch of the regular season, where every game holds significant playoff implications. The Pirates hope to close the gap in the division, while the Cubs strive to solidify their standings for postseason play.