The Cubs erased a quiet start with a late surge, scoring five runs over the final three innings to defeat the Pirates 7-2 at PNC Park. Chicago turned a tight 3-2 game into a comfortable victory behind timely hitting and Pittsburgh's defensive miscues.
Ian Happ led the Cubs' offense, going 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs. His two-run homer in the eighth inning extended Chicago's lead to 5-2, providing the cushion the bullpen needed. Seiya Suzuki contributed two RBIs on 2-for-5 hitting, driving in the game's first run with a fourth-inning single.
The sixth inning proved pivotal for both teams. Busch scored on a throwing error by shortstop Triolo, then Bregman scored on Suzuki's fielder's choice to give Chicago a 3-0 lead. Pittsburgh answered immediately as Reynolds homered to right field, followed by Callihan's RBI double that scored Garcia to cut the deficit to 3-2.
Paul Skenes struck out 10 batters over 5.1 innings but took the loss, allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on four hits and three walks. His counterpart Colin Rea earned the win with 5.1 innings of work, giving up 2 runs on four hits while striking out five. With a 4.70 ERA, Rea improved to 5-3 on the season.
Chicago snapped a losing streak and improved to 30-26, while Pittsburgh fell to 29-27. Happ sits five hits away from 1,000 career hits, adding three more to his total in this victory.