CHICAGO – Dansby Swanson delivered a crucial tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the eighth inning on Sunday, lifting the Chicago Cubs to a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. This pivotal win at Wrigley Field secured the weekend series for the Cubs, bringing much-needed momentum as the team prepares for a monumental five-game showdown against the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. The outcome of this game is already proving to be trending news within Chicago sports circles, setting the stage for a critical week for the North Siders.
A Decisive Eighth Inning Triumph
The game remained deadlocked at 3-3 heading into the bottom of the eighth when the Cubs mounted their decisive rally. Pete Crow-Armstrong led off with a single against Pirates reliever Isaac Mattson. A pop fly by Carson Kelly, which dropped in shallow right field and forced out Crow-Armstrong at second, and a ground-rule double by Ian Happ, put runners on second and third with one out. The Pirates intentionally walked Nico Hoerner to load the bases, setting the stage for Dansby Swanson. With the infield drawn in, Swanson lifted a fly ball to right field, deep enough to allow Carson Kelly to tag up and score the go-ahead run, making it 4-3.
Earlier in the game, Swanson had also contributed offensively with an RBI double in the fifth inning, which initially gave the Cubs a 2-1 lead. This impressive performance came on his bobblehead day at Wrigley Field, adding a celebratory note to his clutch contributions.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The contest was a classic back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. The Cubs initially took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Ian Happ singled home Pete Crow-Armstrong, who had reached on a fielding error and advanced on a wild pitch. The Pirates responded in the third, tying the game at 1-1 with an RBI double by Spencer Horwitz off Cubs starter Javier Assad.
Pittsburgh then seized a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning when Joey Bart ripped a two-run double to left. However, the Cubs quickly answered in the bottom half of the sixth, as Carson Kelly hit a bloop single that brought home Seiya Suzuki, knotting the score at 3-3 and setting the stage for Swanson’s late-game heroics.
Pitching Performances and Bullpen Clashes
For the Pirates, starter Carmen Mlodzinski delivered a strong outing, holding the Cubs to one unearned run on just one hit over four innings in his first start since mid-May. However, the Pirates’ bullpen struggled to maintain the lead, giving up three runs over the final four innings. A critical factor in Pittsburgh’s defeat was their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, as they went a dismal 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position and left ten men on base.
On the Cubs’ side, Javier Assad made his second start since returning from the injured list, pitching four innings and allowing one run on five hits. The Cubs’ bullpen, despite some tense moments, ultimately held strong. Caleb Thielbar (3-3) earned the win by recording a crucial out in the eighth inning, striking out Ronny Simon with runners on first and third to extinguish a Pirates threat. Andrew Kittredge then sealed the victory, pitching a flawless 1-2-3 ninth inning to record his first save of the season and his first since June 2024.
Series Context and Playoff Race Implications
This win was particularly significant for the Cubs, who had dropped four of their previous five games before securing a 3-1 victory on Saturday against the Pirates. The series victory over Pittsburgh allows Chicago to gain a crucial game in the National League Central standings, their first since July 30.
Adding to the good news for Chicago sports fans, the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers suffered a 3-2, ten-inning loss on Sunday, snapping their impressive 14-game winning streak. Despite this, the Cubs still face a significant challenge, trailing the Brewers by eight games in the NL Central. The Cubs currently hold a strong position in the National League Wild Card race, sitting 1 ½ games ahead of their nearest competitors for the top spot.
Looking Ahead: The Brewers Challenge
The stage is now set for a pivotal five-game series between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers, commencing with a split doubleheader on Monday at Wrigley Field. This series is critical for the Cubs’ postseason aspirations, offering an opportunity to cut into Milwaukee’s substantial lead, though the division race appears to be heavily favored towards the Brewers. The Cubs’ offense, which has struggled significantly in the second half of the season—ranking among the league’s worst in runs scored, slugging percentage, and home runs since the All-Star break—will need to find its stride against a dominant Brewers pitching staff.
This series represents a true test for the Cubs. A strong showing could ignite a late-season surge and solidify their playoff positioning, while a poor performance could further widen the gap in the division and potentially jeopardize their comfortable Wild Card lead. The next few days at Wrigley Field will be closely watched by baseball fans, as the outcome will have considerable implications for the trending sports narratives in Chicago and across the league.
