The Chicago Cubs snapped a five-game losing streak with a rain-delayed 14-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates last night. The Cubs picked up two runs on starting pitcher Bailey Falter, who pitched just the first inning. Quinn Priester pitched the next six innings, allowing four runs on five hits. Two relievers allowed eight runs in the eighth inning. The Pirates lone run came on Ke’Bryan Hayes 14th home run of the season in the third inning.
Reliever Kyle Nicolas made his MLB debut in that eighth inning. He allowed six runs in three hits and two walks. Nicolas was acquired from Miami in the Jacob Stallings trade in 2021. In his final 12 appearances at Indianapolis, he had carried a 1.21 ERA.
The Bucs and Cubs play again tonight at 7:40pm. WISR pre-game is 7:15pm.
The Pirates have now lost 10 of their 11 games to the Cubs this season, and have been outscored 88-28.
Last night’s victory put the Cubs into the final National Wild Card spot. They are a half-game in front of Miami and a full game in front of Cincinnati.