The Chicago Cubs defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 18-8 last night at PNC Park. The Cubs hit a grand slam and stole eight bases in the game. Mitch Keller allowed three earned runs on seven hits in just four innings, before three Pirate relievers allowed 15 earned runs to the Cubs. Chicago had 21 hits in the game.
The Bucs and Cubs play again tonight at 6:40pm. Pre-game on WISR begins at 6:15pm. Jared Jones will return from the Injured List to start for the Pirates.
Second baseman Nick Gonzales also returned to the Pirates lineup last night from injury. To make room on the roster, the Pirates designated pitcher Jake Woodward for assignment.
The Pirates have also placed outfielder Michael A. Taylor on waivers. He was batting .196 with four home runs over 100 games this season.
Prior to Monday’s game, the Pirates announced Oneil Cruz will complete the season as the team’s designated hitter and will begin work to become the team’s centerfielder. Cruz has 24 errors this season at shortstop.